Blanc de Noirs Champagnes: The Power and Roundness of Black Grapes
Champagne is an exceptional wine, a symbol of celebration, refinement, and unique expertise. Among the different categories of champagne, Blancs de Noirs occupy a special place. Made exclusively from black grape varieties (Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier), these white champagnes derive their originality from their full-bodied structure, roundness, and rich aromatic palette. Discover everything you need to know about Blanc de Noirs champagnes: their history, characteristics, food and wine pairings, and how to taste them to appreciate all their subtleties.
What is a Blanc de Noirs Champagne?
Definition and Regulations
A blanc de noirs champagne is a white champagne produced exclusively from black grapes, mainly Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier. According to the strict rules of the Champagne Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC), these two black grape varieties must be pressed gently to avoid any coloring of the juice, which therefore remains white. Blanc de noirs is thus distinguished from blanc de blancs (made exclusively from Chardonnay) and rosé (obtained by blending or maceration).
Why Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier?
- Pinot Noir: Provides structure, red and black fruit aromas, and a nice long finish. It gives champagne notes of cherry, blackberry, toast, and sometimes sweet spices.
- Pinot Meunier: More fruity and supple, it brings aromas of ripe fruit (apple, pear, stone fruit) and a touch of roundness.
Together, these grape varieties produce champagnes that are more full-bodied, more indulgent, and often more accessible when young than blancs de blancs.
What are the characteristics of Blanc de Noirs Champagnes?
Aromatic Profile
Blancs de Noirs are recognizable by their golden, sometimes slightly coppery color and generous bubbles. On the nose, they reveal aromas of:
- White and yellow fruits: apple, pear, apricot, peach
- Red and black fruits: cherry, redcurrant, blackberry (especially for Pinot Noir)
- Flowers: acacia, hawthorn, vine blossom
- Spices and roasted notes: toast, brioche, almond, honey, vanilla (after aging)
- Mineral notes: flint, chalk (depending on the terroir)
On the palate, whites made from black grapes are often rounder, fleshier, and more powerful than whites made from white grapes, with good length and a finish that is sometimes slightly spicy or toasty.
What food and wine pairings go well with blanc de noirs champagnes?
Thanks to their structure and roundness, blancs de noirs pair perfectly with a wide variety of dishes:
- Appetizers: charcuterie, foie gras, terrines
- Oily fish: salmon, tuna, mackerel, sushi
- White meats: roast chicken, guinea fowl, veal, pork
- Cheeses: Comté, Beaufort, Gouda, hard cheeses
- World cuisine: spicy dishes, Asian cuisine, tagines
Their versatility makes them an ideal choice to accompany a full meal, from start to finish.
What are the best terroirs and houses for a Blanc de Noirs champagne?
The Great Terroirs
Blanc de Noirs champagnes are mainly produced in terroirs where Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier thrive:
- The Montagne de Reims: The terroir of choice for Pinot Noir, producing powerful and structured wines.
- The Marne Valley: Home to Pinot Meunier, bringing roundness and fruitiness.
- L'Aube: Known for its fruity and accessible Pinot Noir.
Iconic houses and estates
- Bollinger: Their "Vieilles Vignes Françaises" cuvée is a legendary blanc de noirs, made from Pinot Noir aged in oak barrels.
- Krug: Their "Clos du Mesnil" (blanc de blancs) is famous, but their "Grande Cuvée" blend contains a high proportion of Pinot Noir, offering a beautiful expression of blanc de noirs.
- Egly-Ouriet: Their "Les Prémices" is a powerful and mineral 100% Pinot Noir blanc de noirs.
- Jacques Lassalle: Their blanc de noirs is a classic from the Montagne de Reims, combining power and elegance.
- Chartogne-Taillet: Their "Sainte-Anne" cuvée is a blanc de noirs of great finesse, made from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
- Vilmart & Cie: Their "Grand Cellier" is a complex blanc de noirs, aged in barrels, ideal for cellaring.
How to choose a Blanc de Noirs champagne?
Vintage or non-vintage?
- Non-vintage: A blend of several years, ideal for young, fruity, and accessible drinking.
- Vintage: Made from a single exceptional year, more complex, suitable for aging, and often rarer.
Price
Blanc de Noirs can range from €30 to several hundred euros depending on the producer, vintage, and rarity. Prestige cuvées and Blanc de Noirs from old vines often justify their price due to their quality and aging potential.
Tasting: Tips and advice
Serving temperature: serve your blanc de noirs between 44°F and 46°F to preserve its aromas and freshness.
Champagne glass: choose a flute or a Burgundy-style white wine glass, which allows the aromas to be released more effectively and the texture of the wine to be appreciated.
Storage
- Young: Enjoy within 2 to 5 years.
- Vintage: Can be stored for 10 years or more, depending on the vintage and production method
Blanc de Noirs Champagnes in culture and history
A Symbol of Power and Tradition
Blancs de Noirs embody the Champagne tradition, in which Pinot Noir has always played a central role. They are often associated with strength, structure, and longevity, while remaining elegant and refined.
Fun facts
- Pinot Noir is the most widely planted grape variety in Champagne, ahead of Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier.
- Some whites from black grapes, such as those from Bollinger, are aged in oak barrels, which gives them additional complexity.
Blanc de noirs champagnes invite you to discover a world where power meets elegance, where roundness competes with freshness. Their rich aromatic palette and versatility make them exceptional wines, perfect for celebrating important moments or simply for pleasure. Whether you are an amateur or a connoisseur, don't hesitate to explore the different vintages and let yourself be surprised by the diversity of whites from black grapes.
