Blanc de Blancs
by Wendy VanHatten
When you see a Champagne label with the words Blanc de Blancs, do you know what that means? You may think of white wines or Champagnes. You would be correct. So, what does blanc de blancs mean?
Blanc de Blancs Definition
Blanc de Blancs translates simply as ‘white of whites’ – a white wine made from white-skinned varieties. Seems simple enough.
This term originated in the Champagne region of France. Why? Champagne production has historically been dominated by dark-skinned varieties of grapes. This doesn’t mean the Champagne is dark or even rose. It just means the grapes were dark skinned.
In the past any Blanc de Bblancs were made from only Chardonnay grapes. Now, based on climate, soil, and winemaking Blanc de Blancs can be found in a variety of styles.
What Can a Blanc de Blancs Taste Like?
- A noticeable acidity
- A hint of minerality
- A lemony note
- A fruity taste
- An oak presence in some fuller ones
- A creamy texture in some
As you can see the taste can vary, depending on soil, climate, and winemaker. In fact, the Champagne’s Chardonnays vary as well by which parts of the region they come from.
Where Are Chardonnay Grapes Grown for Blanc de Blancs?
- Cote des Blancs hillside of Montgueux
- Chalky locations with east or southeast-facing slopes
- Cramant
- Avize
- Oger
- Cote de Sezanne
Several other subregions also specialize in Chardonnay.
What About Other Non-White Grapes?
When thinking of Champagnes, we don’t want to forget about these villages and grapes:
- Montagne de Reims, known for its Pinot Noir
- East-facing villages of Trepail and Villers-Marmery, known for spicy Blanc de Blancs
- Sillery and Verzy, known for their inclusion in Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs blend
- Petit Meslier
