Blanc de Blancs vs. Blanc de Noirs: What’s the Difference and Which One is Right for You?
Nov 28, 2024
If you’re a sparkling wine enthusiast, you’ve probably encountered the terms Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs while perusing the wine aisle. In this article, we’ll break down what Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs really mean, what they taste like, and how to pick the right bottle for your next celebration.
What Are Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs?
Let’s start with the basics！ Both of these terms come from French, and while they may sound fancy, they’re actually quite simple once you know the translation:
-
Blanc de Blancs: “White from whites.” These wines are made from white grapes only. In the world of Champagne and sparkling wines, this typically refers to 100% Chardonnay.
-
Blanc de Noirs: “White from blacks.” These wines are made from black or red grapes, yet the final wine is still white (or pale in color). In Champagne, this generally refers to sparkling wines made from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
Though they are most famously associated with Champagne, these terms are used around the world in various regions that produce sparkling wines, including Italy’s Franciacorta, Spain’s Cava, and even New World regions like California and Australia.
Blanc de Blancs – White Grapes
Blanc de Blancs is all about finesse, elegance, and purity. These wines are made exclusively from white grapes, and in Champagne, that means they are often crafted using Chardonnay. But where do they come from, and why are they so special?
In Champagne, the most renowned Blanc de Blancs wines hail from the Côte des Blancs – a region known for its chalky soil, which imparts a unique minerality to the wine. In this area, Chardonnay thrives, producing wines with a signature combination of citrus zest, green apple, and delicate floral notes. This makes Blanc de Blancs a wine of great clarity and freshness, often characterized by:
-
Bright, zesty acidity
-
Fresh citrus (lemon, lime)
-
Green apple and pear notes
-
A touch of minerality and toastiness from lees aging
Not just confined to Champagne, Blanc de Blancs is also popular in Franciacorta (Italy), Trentino, and Oltrepò Pavese, where the Chardonnay grape (and sometimes Pinot Blanc) also shines. The overall profile of Blanc de Blancs is one of precision, with an ethereal quality that makes it a favorite among sparkling wine lovers who appreciate balance and refinement.
Blanc de Noirs – The Boldness of Red Grapes
On the other side of the spectrum, we have Blanc de Noirs, which is made exclusively from red (or black) grapes. While the wine is technically still a white sparkling wine, its flavor profile is far more robust and complex due to the use of red grapes like Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
In Champagne, the best-known Blanc de Noirs wines come from regions like Montagne de Reims and Côte de Bar, where Pinot Noir dominates the vineyards. These wines tend to be fuller-bodied, with a rich structure and an array of fruity flavors, including:
-
Red fruits like strawberry, raspberry, and cherry
-
A deeper, bolder body with more weight
-
Hints of spice and earthiness from the red grapes
-
Toast and biscuit flavors from the traditional method of production
Blanc de Noirs wines tend to have a heartier, more intense profile, which can appeal to those who prefer a wine with more presence and complexity. You’ll find some of the finest examples of Blanc de Noirs from the Côte des Bar, where Pinot Noir thrives, and from Oltrepò Pavese in Italy, which has been producing excellent Blanc de Noirs for years.
Blanc de Blancs vs. Blanc de Noirs – The Key Differences
The primary difference between Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs lies in the grapes used and the resulting flavor profile:
-
Blanc de Blancs: Made from white grapes (typically Chardonnay), Blanc de Blancs is light, elegant, and crisp. Expect fresh citrus, green apple, and a touch of minerality. These wines are known for their high acidity and refreshing finish, making them ideal for lighter dishes like seafood, sushi, or salads.
-
Blanc de Noirs: Made from black (red) grapes (usually Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier), Blanc de Noirs wines are fuller-bodied, with a fruitier, bolder profile. Think of red fruits like strawberry and raspberry, with a creamy texture and richness that pairs well with hearty dishes like roast chicken, creamy pasta, or charcuterie.
The Traditional Method: Common Ground for Both Styles
One thing that both Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs share in common is the production method. Both are typically made using the traditional method (also known as the méthode champenoise), which involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle. This process creates the signature bubbles and gives both styles of sparkling wine a delightful autolytic character, which adds complexity and richness, with flavors of:
-
Biscuit, toast, and brioche
-
A creamy texture that balances the acidity
-
A long, lingering finish
Which One Should You Choose?
If you're new to sparkling wines or Champagne, it's helpful to try both styles to see which one aligns with your palate. Here’s a quick guide:
-
Go for a Blanc de Blancs if you prefer a lighter, fresher style with crisp acidity and subtle fruit and floral notes. It's perfect for sipping on its own or with seafood and light appetizers.
-
Opt for a Blanc de Noirs if you prefer a richer, more complex sparkling wine with deeper fruit flavors and a fuller body. These wines are great with richer foods like roast meats, creamy cheeses, or even dark chocolate.
The Bottom Line
Whether you gravitate toward the elegance of Blanc de Blancs or the boldness of Blanc de Noirs, both styles offer a unique take on sparkling wine. Each brings its own special characteristics to the table, from the light and fresh Chardonnay-based wines of Blanc de Blancs to the fuller-bodied, fruit-forward wines of Blanc de Noirs. So next time you’re browsing for bubbles, why not explore both styles and see which one fits your taste?
If you enjoy this guide, be sure to check out more of our sparkling wine articles, including:
