When you see terms like “Blanc de Blancs” and “Blanc de Noirs” on a sparkling wine label, they are indicating the types of grapes used to make the wine. Here’s how you can interpret these terms:
Blanc de Blancs
Blanc de Blancs translates to “white of whites” in French, and it typically refers to sparkling wines made from white grapes. Here’s what it means:
- Blanc de Blancs wines are made exclusively from white grape varieties, most commonly Chardonnay.
- These wines are known for their light and crisp characteristics, with flavors of citrus, green apple, and floral notes.
- Blanc de Blancs sparkling wines are usually more delicate and elegant compared to their Blanc de Noirs counterparts.
Blanc de Noirs
Blanc de Noirs translates to “white of blacks” in French, and it refers to sparkling wines made from red or black-skinned grapes. Here’s what you need to know:
- Blanc de Noirs wines are made from red grape varieties like Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
- Despite being made from red grapes, Blanc de Noirs wines are white in color because they are made without skin contact during the winemaking process.
- These wines tend to be more full-bodied and have flavors of red berries, stone fruits, and sometimes a hint of earthiness.
Key Differences
Understanding the differences between Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs can help you choose the right sparkling wine for your preferences. Here are some key distinctions:
- Blanc de Blancs is made from white grapes, while Blanc de Noirs is made from red grapes.
- Blanc de Blancs is lighter and more delicate, while Blanc de Noirs is fuller-bodied and richer.
- Blanc de Blancs often has citrus and floral notes, while Blanc de Noirs tends to have red fruit and earthy flavors.
Pairing Recommendations
Depending on your food pairing preferences, you may want to choose Blanc de Blancs or Blanc de Noirs to complement your meal. Here are some general pairing recommendations:
- Blanc de Blancs pairs well with lighter fare like seafood, salads, and light cheeses.
- Blanc de Noirs is a great match for heartier dishes like roasted meats, mushrooms, and aged cheeses.
- Both styles of sparkling wine can also be enjoyed on their own as an aperitif.
Production Methods
Understanding how Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs are made can give you insight into their flavor profiles and characteristics. Here’s a brief overview of the production methods:
- Blanc de Blancs is made by pressing white grapes and fermenting the juice without the skins, resulting in a light and elegant wine.
- Blanc de Noirs is made by pressing red grapes and quickly separating the juice from the skins to prevent color extraction, leading to a white wine from red grapes.
- Both styles of sparkling wine undergo a secondary fermentation in the bottle to create the bubbles that we love in Champagne and other sparkling wines.
Quality Indicators
When you see Blanc de Blancs or Blanc de Noirs on a sparkling wine label, it can also indicate the quality and style of the wine. Here’s what to look out for:
- Blanc de Blancs is often associated with higher quality Champagne and sparkling wines, as it requires Chardonnay grapes, which are typically more expensive.
- Blanc de Noirs can vary in style and quality, but it is often a favorite among wine lovers for its richness and complexity.
- Look for respected Champagne houses and wineries known for their expertise in producing Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs wines for a premium experience.