What are Blanc de Noirs Champagnes?
The meaning of Champagne Blanc de Noirs is "white of black grapes". It indicates that these straw-coloured or golden Champagnes are made exclusively from red grapes, such as Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier, avoiding the contact with the skins that can give the red colour. Therefore, despite being made from dark grapes they have a similar colour to white wines.
Blanc de Noirs Champagnes are produced in the French region of the same name and are distinguished by their aromatic complexity and deep, complex structure, certainly more intense than their finer, more delicate Blanc de Blancs cousins, made exclusively from white grapes such as Chardonnay.
Thus, Blanc de Noirs wines are an elegant and refined choice, ideal for important occasions or to celebrate major events. Their impeccable elegance and their structure and richness have made them world-famous, to the point of becoming among the most appreciated and drunk categories in the wine world.
The characteristics and pairings of Champagne Blanc de Noir
Blanc de Noirs Champagnes usually have an intense straw yellow colour with a particularly fine and persistent bubble. The colour and the grain of the bubble can evolve with time, giving rise to more golden hues and an even more subtle and delicate grain of bubbles. On the nose, they present a complex and intense olfactory profile, in which the typical notes of Pinot, such as wild fruit or cherry, emerge, joined by sensations more closely linked to the world of bubbles, such as bread crust, butter, citrus and dried fruit. The palate is marked by a solid and creamy structure, balanced by a clear freshness and a pleasant mineral note typical of the terroir.
Blanc de Noirs are very versatile in gastronomy and go well with a rich variety of dishes. From hors d'oeuvres, such as appetisers, finger food or raw fish, to white meat preparations, platters of mature cheeses, to intense dishes such as foie gras or truffles. However, they are also perfect for sipping without necessarily being paired with food!
The Best Blanc de Noirs Champagnes
There are an infinite number of styles and types made in different Champagne production areas: from the most iconic ones to those made by small recoltants. Among the biggest producers are:
- Remy Massin: a company from the Cote des Bar that makes mature and complex Champagnes
- Gratiot & Cie: a historic, small maison that favours a style marked by freshness and simplicity
- Bollinger: an institution and a reference point for French bubbly
On Callmewine you can find a rich and very wide selection of Blanc de Noirs Champagnes. They range from a few tens of euros up to hundreds of euros for the most important versions, such as Grand Cru and Premier Cru Champagnes.