In the world of sparkling wines, Champagne reigns supreme, and among its various expressions, Blanc de Blancs stands out as a true embodiment of elegance and purity. This exquisite champagne, translated as „white of whites,“ is crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, offering a unique and captivating experience for enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
The heart of Blanc de Blancs lies in the chalky soils of the Côte des Blancs, Côtes de Sézanne and other top vineyard areas (i.e. Montagne de Reims) of the Champagne region in France.
Champagne Blanc de Blancs: A symphony of elegance and purity
Chardonnay, the sole grape variety used in its production, imparts a distinctive character marked by crisp acidity, bright citrus notes, and a refined minerality. These grapes, often sourced from premier and grand cru vineyards, undergo a meticulous winemaking process that contributes to the wine’s finesse and longevity.
One of the hallmark features of Blanc de Blancs is its pale golden hue, resembling the radiant glow of sunlight on a summer afternoon. The fine, persistent bubbles dance to the surface, creating a mesmerizing effervescence that further enhances the drinking experience. The nose is a symphony of aromas, with delicate floral notes, hints of green apple, and a subtle brioche undertone, all harmonizing to create an inviting bouquet.
Upon the first sip, Blanc de Blancs reveals its extraordinary depth and balance. The bright acidity is complemented by a creamy texture, creating a seamless integration of flavors on the palate. Citrus fruits, particularly lemon and lime, take center stage, accompanied by nuances of white peach and a touch of hazelnut. The refined minerality, the most emblematic signature of the Chardonnay grape grown in Champagne’s chalky soils, adds a distinct dimension. Minerality, not that easy to describe, can be found on the nose, showing itself with aromas of flint, stone, graphite, chalk, oysters, shells… In the mouth, it expresses itself as a mixture of two sensations: Acidity and salinity.
As you read this lines you realize the fascination of Blanc de Blancs: not merely a sparkling wine; it is a celebration of the meticulous craftsmanship, centuries-old tradition and pure expression of Champagne terroir.
Growing demand for Blanc de Blancs
Champagne Blanc de Blancs‘ popularity can be attributed to its elegant and refreshing profile and its versatility in food pairings. Blanc de Blancs has captured the hearts of wine enthusiasts around the world. After talking to many Champagne lovers and doing some research, I’ve identified the following reasons for this phenomena:
- Elegance and freshness: Blanc de Blancs is renowned for its elegance and freshness. The exclusive use of Chardonnay grapes, known for moderate to medium acidity and crispness, imparts a lively and refreshing character to the wine. The result is a sparkling wine that feels light on the palate, making it particularly appealing to those who enjoy vibrant and invigorating flavors.
- Versatility: Blanc de Blancs is incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairings. Elegant, lithe and sometimes even a bit austere, this special and subtle wine is particularly well suited to pair with different dishes (my favorite is seafood). Its versatility has contributed to its popularity as a go-to choice for celebrations and special occasions.
- Aging potential: While delightful when young, Blanc de Blancs often has impressive aging potential. The acidity of Chardonnay grapes contributes to the wine’s ability to develop complex and nuanced flavors over time. This aging potential adds a layer of intrigue for wine enthusiasts who appreciate the evolution of a fine wine as it matures.
- Terroir expression: The key Champagne districts for Blanc de Blancs are the Côte des Blancs and Côte de Sézanne, the two subregions where the best Chardonnay is grown. Often sourced from premier and grand cru vineyards, the chalky soils contribute distinctive minerality to the wine. This expression of terroir gives Blanc de Blancs a unique character. The Côte des Blancs is particularly famous for its Chardonnay and six grand cru villages: Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger and Oiry. In Champagne, unlike Burgundy, the grand cru classification is linked to villages and not vineyards. The designation denotes not only the highest-quality grapes—but also, generally, those that command the highest prices. Even so, a nonvintage grand cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne, which can cost less than CHF 80.- a bottle, is a bargain compared with a grand cru Chablis, which can easily cost twice that amount.
- Consumer preferences: Many wine consumers appreciate the purity and focus of Blanc de Blancs. The singular use of Chardonnay grapes allows for a more creamy and fruitforward expression of the grape’s characteristics, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a more refined and unadulterated wine experience.
My personal Top Blanc de Blancs list:
- Krug Clos du Mesnil: Produced by Krug, this very rare Blanc de Blancs, showcases the unique character of a single walled vineyard in Mesnil-sur-Oger, harvested in a single year from a single variety: Chardonnay. (Price around CHF 1300.-, buy here)
- Armand de Brignac Blanc de Blancs. Prestige Cuvée of very small production from the best vineyards in the Montagne de Reims, this fairly unknown Blanc de Blancs is produced taking only the first and freshest portion of the cuvée press and blending a unique trio of vintages. Each bottle is finished by hand, with the application of French pewter labels and hand polishing. (Price around CHF 650.-, buy here)
- Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs: the vintage Prestige Cuvée of maison Ruinart, produces a Blanc de Blancs redescovering ancient techniques (read more). Known for its finesse , fullness and complexity. Aged for at least 9 years on the lees. Dosage of 4g/l. (Price around CHF 220.-, buy here)
- Salon Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs: Salon is known for producing a single, rare vintage Champagne, sourced exclusively from the Le Mesnil-sur-Oger vineyard, and is highly sought after by collectors. (Price around CHF 1200.-)
- Ruinart Blanc de Blancs: The oldest Champagne house, maison Ruinart is renowned for its worldwide popular Blanc de Blancs, a unique expression of freshness and roundness. (Price around CHF 80.-, buy here)
- Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs: Taittinger’s flagship Blanc de Blancs, sourced from the vineyards in the Côte des Blancs and aged for extended periods. (Price around CHF 160.-)
- Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Special Club Blanc de Blancs: The „Special Club“ series from Gimonnet is highly regarded, showcasing the quality of their Chardonnay grapes from various premier and grand cru vineyards. (Price around CHF 80.-)
- Jacquesson Avize Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs: Jacquesson is known for its terroir-driven Champagnes, and their Avize Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs reflects the excellence of this renowned vineyard. (Price around CHF 180.-)
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