Blanc de noirs Champagne

Blanc de Noirs Champagne stands out for its assertive character and deep aromas. Crafted exclusively from black grapes, this Champagne captivates lovers of expressive and complex wines. Discover why Blanc de Noirs is an essential option for your festive moments and how to pair it with your favourite dishes.

What is a Blanc de Noirs Champagne ?

Blanc de Noirs Champagne is a sparkling AOC Champagne wine made exclusively from red grape varieties with white flesh, primarily Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Unlike traditional Champagne which can be made from white grapes such as Chardonnay, Blanc de Noirs draws its complexity from these black-skinned varieties. During winemaking, the grapes are pressed without the skins, which contain the colour and tannins, being macerated with the juice. This produces a white wine with rich and intense aromas, then vinified according to the traditional Champagne method.

Why choose a Blanc de Noirs Champagne ?

Blanc de Noirs Champagne offers a unique tasting experience. Thanks to its black grape varieties, it develops deeper aromas of red fruits, stone fruits and sometimes spiced notes. Its structure is often fuller and its finish longer, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate intense Champagnes. This style of Champagne adapts equally well to festive moments and gastronomic meals.

The best food pairings with Blanc de Noirs Champagne

Blanc de Noirs Champagne pairs perfectly with flavour-rich dishes. It accompanies white meats beautifully, such as Bresse chicken with cream or veal, as well as mushroom-based dishes. It can also elevate shellfish and seafood, particularly scallops or lobster. For a more daring pairing, try a Blanc de Noirs with aged cheeses or lightly spiced dishes, which will reveal the full complexity of its aromas.

Perfect for festive meals, as a gift or for a refined tasting, it will captivate lovers of Champagnes with an assertive character. Explore our selection of Blanc de Noirs Champagnes at the best value for money, sourced directly from the estate or house of your choice.

Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier: two expressions of Blanc de Noirs

The choice of grape variety directly influences the character of the Blanc de Noirs in your glass. A Blanc de Noirs made predominantly from Pinot Noir will be powerful and structured, with aromas of black cherry, blackberry and sometimes liquorice, a bottle built for gastronomy. A Blanc de Noirs dominated by Pinot Meunier will be rounder and more supple, with fresh red fruit aromas and an indulgent finish, ideal for aperitif or a relaxed meal. Both expressions are present in our selection, with detailed aromatic profiles on each product page.

Champagne terroirs of Blanc de Noirs

Blanc de Noirs Champagne expresses itself with particular intensity on terroirs dominated by black grape varieties. The Montagne de Reims, with its Grand Cru villages such as Bouzy, Verzenay and Mailly-Champagne, is the historic heartland of great Pinot Noir expression in Champagne. Its Blanc de Noirs are structured and vinous, with remarkable ageing potential. The Vallée de la Marne, heartland of Pinot Meunier, produces more accessible, fruity and generous Blanc de Noirs. In the Aube, Côte des Bar, independent growers craft characterful Blanc de Noirs at very competitive prices, increasingly recognised by discerning enthusiasts.

Our grower-producers, identifiable by the RM mention on the label, control every step of pressing their black grapes from A to Z, with no middleman between their vine and your glass.

Frequently asked questions about Blanc de Noirs Champagne

What exactly is a Blanc de Noirs Champagne ?

Blanc de Noirs is a champagne made exclusively from black grapes, Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier, vinified white. The grapes are pressed immediately after harvest, without skin maceration, to obtain a white juice. The colour is generally golden, sometimes slightly pink, and the aromas are deeper and fuller than a Blanc de Blancs or a classic blend.

What is the difference between Blanc de Noirs and Blanc de Blancs ?

Blanc de Blancs is made exclusively from white grapes, Chardonnay in Champagne. It is fine, mineral and airy. Blanc de Noirs is made from black grapes vinified white, Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier. It is rounder, fuller-bodied and deeper, with aromas of red fruits and spice. The two styles are complementary, the first for finesse, the second for character.

Is Blanc de Noirs a red champagne ?

No. Despite using black grapes, Blanc de Noirs is a white champagne. The grapes are pressed without skin maceration, it is precisely this rapid pressing that prevents colour and tannins from passing into the juice. The result is a white wine with rich aromas, vinified according to the traditional Champagne method.

What food pairings work best with Blanc de Noirs Champagne ?

Blanc de Noirs pairs perfectly with white meats such as Bresse chicken with cream or veal, mushroom-based dishes, shellfish and scallops. For more daring pairings, try it with aged cheeses, Comté, Beaufort, or lightly spiced dishes. Its structure also makes it an excellent companion for a complete festive meal.

At what temperature should Blanc de Noirs be served ?

Between 9 and 12°C, warmer than a Blanc de Blancs, to release its structure and dark fruit aromas. Below 8°C, its depth closes completely. Take it out of the fridge 10 minutes before serving to give it time to open up.

Does Blanc de Noirs age well ?

3 to 7 years for non-vintage cuvées thanks to the natural structure of Pinot Noir, well beyond most classic bruts. Montagne de Reims vintages can reach 10 to 15 years, developing complex notes of truffle, undergrowth and candied fruit. Store horizontally, between 10 and 15°C.

Why is Blanc de Noirs less well known than other champagnes ?

Blanc de Noirs remains a confidential style, often reserved for discerning enthusiasts. Its production requires perfect mastery of pressing, the slightest prolonged contact between juice and skins colours the wine and alters its profile. This is why this style is predominantly produced by demanding grower-producers who control every step of their winemaking with precision.