Wine lovers recognize Blanc de Blanc Champagne as the most elegant and refined of wines.
Made from the white grape variety, such as Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc, The bubbly is a wine lover’s pleasure with its refreshing and zesty flavors.
Recently, the pure Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs cuvees are experiencing a revival.
What Is Blanc de Blanc Champagne?
Blanc de Blancs Champagnes are sparkling wines from white grape varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc. The term Blanc de Blanc means “white from whites.”
The Champagne region of France produces these wines with the traditional “Methode Champenoise,” where the second fermentation occurs inside the bottle.
While most Champagne producers produce Blanc de Blancs sparkling wines made from Chardonnay, a few winemakers employ Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Petit Meslier, and Arbane white grape varieties in the mix.
In the case of non-vintage Champagnes, the winemaker will add some reserve wine to impart aging notes.
If you’re an avid Champagne fan, you’ve undoubtedly encountered the term “Blanc of Noirs.’
The Difference Between “Blanc de Blanc” And “Blanc de Noirs”
While Blanc de Blancs is made entirely from white grape varieties, Blanc de Noirs (“white from blacks”) are made from red grapes like Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
The Chardonnay grape typically makes 100 Blanc de Blancs that are 100 percent Blanc de Blancs. 100 100% Blanc de Noirs are made using the Pinot Noir grape variety.
Also, even though both Champagnes are a clear golden color and a long-lasting fizz, they are different in taste. Blanc de Blancs Champagnes are lighter, dryer, and more fruity than Blanc de Noirs. Blanc de Noir wines are heavier and more full-bodied.
Let’s look at the various Champagne regions in which Blanc de Blancs are produced.
Where Are Blanc de Blanc Wines Made? (Champagne Subregions)
Blanc de Blancs sparkling wines made from the Chardonnay grape variety are produced in two subregions – Cote des Blanc and Cote de Sezanne.
Chardonnay is particularly fond of those chalky soils in Cote des Blanc (south of Epernay) and produces clean, tight, well-balanced sparkling wines. Cote de Blancs includes 13 villages, including 6 Grand Crus and seven Premier Crus.
It is no surprise that the Chardonnay grapes that are harvested from different Grand Cru vineyards produce wines with distinctive flavors. White wines (especially that of the Chardonnay wine variety) from these vineyards are incredibly concentrated and rich, reflecting the outstanding terroir Grand Cru village vineyard.
Have a look at the distinct wine styles that come from The Cote de Blancs Grand Cru villages:
Chouilly Grand Cru village is home to some of the most affluent Blanc de Blancs. They possess a subtle minerality.
The cramantwines are loved for their smooth and creamy texture.
AvizeChampagnes contain a strong mineral content with a strong body.
OgerBlanc de Blancs wines offer a perfect balance of minerality and austerity.
Le Mesnil sur-OgerChampagnes are loved for their freshness and supple texture.
OiryBlanc de Blancs are loved for their vibrant citrus and fresh green apple taste.
In addition to being fantastic examples of the terroir found in these Grand Cru vineyards, the most outstanding Chardonnay sparklers from Cote de Blancs also showcase the magnificence of the local winemakers.
Another Champagne area, Cote de Sezanne, produces more mature wines with less finesse and a more pronounced quality.
Today, the rise of Blanc de Blancs has created various styles in the market.
What’s the reason for this sweet taste?
Following the second fermentation phase of making wine, the maker can add “dosage” to balance the Champagne’s dry, astringent texture. Dosage is the amount of sugar and wine added to Champagne before taking the wine to the bottle. This alters the quality of the wine.
How Does Blanc de Blanc Champagne Taste?
Sparkling wine made from a blend of white grape varieties (like Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris) has white fruit, butter, and fresh bread aromas. This bubbly is usually dry on the palate and has a crisp and balanced acidity.
The Blanc de Blancs Champagne usually features a distinct white floral aroma as it’s young. As it ages, it takes on a nuanced flavor.
Blanc de Blancs, made of 100 percent Chardonnay grapes, have distinct green apple, citrus, and mineral notes. They develop butter and honey notes over time.
Food Pairings With Blanc de Blanc Champagne
A Blanc de Blancs Champagne is best paired with seafood dishes like oysters, grilled fish, scallop crudo, or desserts like lemon sorbet. You can also drink this sparkling wine as an aperitif.
2008 Salon Cuvee ‘S’ Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne, France
The 2008 Salon Cuvee is a pale golden sparkling wine displaying delicate bubbles in the glass.
It’s got natural yeast, minerals, white peach, and citrus aromas. There are delicate baked almond notes in the perfume. This Champagne from the past is robust on the palate and has an effervescent mineral finish. It is an ideal match with fish that has been grilled.
Should You Invest In Blanc de Blanc Champagne?
Most Blanc de Blanc Champagnes can age gracefully for 10-30 years, thanks to their chalky texture and high acidity. They develop rich, nutty flavors and complex aromas as they mature.
The other factor that makes Blanc de Blancs so appealing is that famous wineries such as Krug and Ruinart make Blanc de Blanc champagnes in a select number of vintages and small quantities. For example, Charles Heidsieck has only released five Blanc de Blanc wines in the last four decades.
Additionally, they can be purchased at reasonable prices; for example, you can find high-end wine that is not vintage Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs ($50-$80) for a fraction of the cost you would pay for a Grand Cru Chablis. However, older Blanc de Blancs produced by the most prestigious wineries can be priced at over $400.
Due to their long-lasting nature, increased production quantities, and ability to create outstanding flavors, these Champagnes typically fetch high prices on the second-hand market.
If you’re looking for investment opportunities in fine wines, invest in a Blanc de Blanc Champagne from top producers like Krug, Salon, Ruinart, Pol Roger Louis Roederer, and many more. It is the best option to choose!
However, how do you ensure the wine you purchase is genuine and not fake? It is also necessary to find the ideal storage space in addition to the handling and shipping.
The best option is to purchase your bottle through an online wine investment firm such as Vinovest, which will not just authenticate your bottle but also assist you in storing it properly.