Blanc de Blancs

Blanc de blancs: indicates a Champagne exclusively made from light-skinned grapes, typically Chardonnay but sometimes much rarer, ancient cultivars, used alone or in combination (Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Arbane and Petit Meslier, which together represent just 0.3 % of plantings).

The Champagne of choice among serious oenophiles. But with its elegant and lithe style, this obscure bubbly will please even the most mainstream drinker.

So what can you expect from Blanc de Blancs in terms of taste? This will vary depending on terroir and particular grape inclusions, but in general, Blanc de Blancs are characterised by clean and crisp flavors, appealingly acidic notes, subtle minerality, and, in some cases, a bready and yeasty backbone developed through fermentation, which grounds and anchors the wine.

All great Champagnes age, but blanc de blancs do so particularly well. The chalky texture, high acidity and steely character often found in the young wines provide long-term potential.

If you simply can’t wait to open a young blanc de blancs, let it sit in your glass for 10–15 minutes, just like a great red or white wine. You may lose some bubbles, but the wine will open up and taste much better.

Some of the best available include wines Agrapart, Ayala, Brimoncourt, Charles Heidsieck, Franck Bonville, Krug, Lamandier-Bernier, Perrier-Jouët, and Ruinart.