Blanc De Blanc: The Complete Guide

Rhône Valley, Bordeaux, and Burgundy are some of the best-known wine regions in France, besides Champagne. Here, you’ll find 12 beautiful miles of chalk-rich soils.

The Côte de Blancs is home to some of the best Chardonnay vineyards in the world – producing some of the finest Champagnes in the region. 

These wines are known as ‘blanc de blancs’ which translates to ‘white of whites’. Essentially, it is a type of wine made exclusively using white grapes, for instance, Chardonnay. 

You may be wondering what makes these vineyards so special. Well, the ones in Champagne see some bitterly cold winters and mild summers. 

However, what makes it the perfect condition for growing Chardonnay is the chalk-heavy subsoil and the east-facing vines which capture the morning sun’s warmth. 

What’s more is that the soil was once an ancient seabed – containing millions of small, fossilized creatures. The result is pure and elegant Champagne. 

With this in more, this article will explore everything you need to know about blanc de blancs, including their taste, flavor profile, and varieties. 

Let’s get started. 

What Is A Blanc De Blanc?

‘Blanc de blanc’ is a French term that translates to ‘Whites of whites’. This term is used to describe the grapes used to make the wine in question. They are, as you’ve guessed it, white grapes. 

Another similar term used in the winemaking industry is ‘Blanc de noirs’ which translates to ‘White of blacks’. This is another term that is used to describe the grapes used in the winemaking process. 

When it comes to sparkling wines, these are two common terms found in styles and bottles of many different producers of wine all around the world. 

Typically, ‘blanc de blancs’ is used to describe wines made with 100% Chardonnay Grapes. While ‘blanc de noirs’ are 100% made with Pinot Noir grapes. 

The ‘blanc’ component of each term is used to describe the juice extracted from the grapes which are both white. 

Yes, believe it or not, both red and black grapes contain white juice inside. It is the lengthened contact with the skin of the grape that produces the red/ rosé color. 

However, both terms are just to describe the color of the grapes in the wine – covering a wide variety of grapes in the winemaking process. 

Although, as previously mentioned, 100% Pinot Noir and 100% Chardonnay are the most common examples. 

The most famous example is Champagne which uses the fine labels of ‘blanc de noirs’ and ‘blanc de blancs’.

What Do Blanc De Blancs Taste Like?

One popular blanc de blanc is Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is usually considered to be on the fruity side of the spectrum, with common ingredients including, grapefruit, lemon, kumquat, and lime. 

That said, wines for warmer environments may contain more tropical hints in their fruits. For instance, you may find a counterpoint of bell pepper or grassiness which is a result of pyrazine found inside the grape. 

This is the same component that is responsible for the vegetal and bell pepper notes in cool-environment Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Sauvignon Blanc can be recognized for containing a semi-aromatic grape variety. Plus, thanks to its high acidity content, it is considered more refreshing. 

Here, the acidity is attenuated by oak aging as well as a process known as bâtonnage. 

Generally, Sauvignon Blanc is a wine enjoyed chilled. That said, less-stirred or oak-aged examples can be enjoyed at a cooler temperature. 

Is Blanc De Blancs Only Produced In Champagne?

Today, you can find sparkling wines being produced all around the world – this goes the same for Blanc de Blancs, too. 

You can find amazing examples from everywhere including Italy, Spain, England, Germany, the United States, and South Africa. 

While Blanc de Blancs can be made with a range of different grapes, they are most commonly made using Chardonnay – as per the French tradition.

Is Blanc De Blanc Sweet?

Blanc de Blanc wines tend to be dry. For instance, Bland de Blancs made from Champagne – and other areas in the world – are usually on the dryer side where they can be considered Brut, Extra Brut, or Brut Nature. 

Here, the sweetness is determined by the percentage of dosage (a mixture of sugar and wine) added to your sparkling wine just before the bottles are corked and caged. 

When it comes to Champagne and other types of sparkling wine, there are several levels of sweetness that are measured using grams per liter of sugar added. For instance:

• Demi-sec – This features 32-50 grams of sugar per liter

• Doux – This features over 50 grams of sugar per liter 

• Extra dry – This features 12-17 grams of sugar per liter

• Sec – This consists of 12-32 grams of sugar per liter 

• Brut – This refers to anything below 12 grams of sugar per liter

• Extra brut – Anything containing between 0 to 6 grams of sugar per liter 

• Brut Nature – This contains the least amount of sugar with 0-3 grams of sugar per liter

What Foods Pair Best With Blanc De Blancs?

The beauty of Blanc de Blancs is that they pair well with virtually anything. There are some classic pairings that work amazingly each time, such as crab cakes, briny oysters, sole piccata, and grilled sea bass, and there are some more modest options, too. 

For instance, you can enjoy a glass of Blanc de Blanc with some hard cheeses for a lovely pairing. In particular, this is true for aged cheese like Parmesan (Also check out Chicken Parmigiana & Wine Pairing). 

Likewise, it can even be enjoyed as a counterpoint when it comes to soft triple cream cheeses. 

Furthermore, the wine goes equally well with comfort foods, too. Specifically, anything fried. For instance, French fries, Fritto Misto, and fried chicken. 

If this isn’t your style, then just know that it goes perfectly with grilled chicken, garden salads, and light pasta dishes such as fettuccine alfredo or linguine with pesto. 

Another unconventional pairing you can enjoy this wine with is creamy potato soup with deliciously crusty homemade bread.

Here, the Blanc is refreshing and perfectly balances out the richness of the soup.

If you’re looking for something on the more casual side, then you can simply pour a glass to yourself and take it to the side of the pool with a bag of potato chips and some dipping sauce and you’re all set. 

You can serve it in your tasting room with some freshly popped popcorn that has been dusted with some lemon herb salt and a drizzle of olive oil. 

Essentially, Blanc de Blancs can be enjoyed with all dishes as long as you’re adventurous enough! 

It is one of the best wines to enjoy over hot summer nights. 

Where Does Sauvignon Blanc Wine Come From?

Blanc de Blancs sparkling wines made using the Chardonnay grape variety are made in two subregions – Cote de Sezanne and Cote des Blanc. 

Chardonnay, in particular, enjoys the chalky soils of the Cote des Blanc hills (these are south of Epernay). The result is a well-balanced, crispy, and tight sparkling wine. 

Cote de Blancs is home to 13 villages – seven Premier Crus and six Grand Crus. 

Therefore, it is important to remember that different Chardonnay grapes from different Grand Cru vineyards produce distinct flavors. 

For instance, the white grapes (especially from Chardonnay varieties) from this type of vineyard are concentrated and rich, reflecting the uniqueness of the Grand Cru terrain. 

Below, we have outlined some unique wines you can find at Cote de Blancs Grand Cru villages:

• Cramant – These are admired for their smooth and creamy texture. 

• Chouilly – The village of Grand Cru produces some of the finest Blanc de Blancs that feature a subtle minerality. 

• Oger – Blanc de Blanc wines feature the perfect balance of minerality and austerity. 

• Avize – This champagne has a firm body with an intense minerality. 

• Oiry – Blanc de Blanc is beloved for their green apple flavor and bright acidity that is refreshing. 

• Le Mesnil-sur-Oger – These champagnes feature a firm texture that is fresh. 

In addition to containing some of the best expressions, thanks to the terroir of the Grand Cru vineyards, the best Chardonnay sparkling wines found in this area are a reflection of the amazing regional wine growers, too. 

The other Champagne regions, including Cote de Sezanne, produce riper wines with stronger character and a little less finesse. 

Thanks to the rising popularity of Blanc de Blancs, it has created a range of diverse styles within the region. 

What is The Difference Between Blanc De Blanc And Blanc De Noir

Definition

As previously mentioned, ‘blanc de blanc’ refers to a type of white wine that translates to ‘white of white’ and is made using only white grapes. 

On the other hand, you can also get ‘blanc de noir’ which translates to ‘white of black’. Like ‘blanc de blanc’ it is a type of white wine but is made using dark grapes. 

Type Of Grapes

Blanc de blanc is typically produced using Chardonnay grapes white blanc de noir is made using pinot meunier or pinot noir grapes. 

Taste

Blanc de blanc wines tend to be dryer and lighter while blanc de noirs tend to feature more body and a fruity fleshiness. 

Other Grape Varieties

There are only a few wine producers who use the other four grape varieties that are permitted by the appellation laws.

This includes Pinot Blanc (otherwise known as Blanc Vrai), Pinot Gris, Arbane, and Petit Meslier – this is the only fraction of the vast varieties out there. 

One example is Michel Drappier’s Quattuour – which, as the name suggests, is made from Arbane, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Petit Meslier. 

A notable champagne is Duval-Leroy’s “Authentis Petit Meslier” since it is made using only Petit Meslier. The tasting notes describe the wine as containing green leafy and floral notes. 

One of the most obscure wines is Moutard Père et Fils Cépage Arbane”. Arbane itself is becoming incredibly rare since it hasn’t spread far. 

Today, it only exists in a few acres of vineyards located in the Cote des Bar district (Moutard’s homeland), in southern Champagne. 

The Best Blanc De Blanc Champagnes

Below, we have listed some of the best blanc de blanc champagnes. These are perfect for drinking, cellaring, or giving as a gift. 

1. 2008 Salon Cuvee ‘S’ Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne, France 

This 2008 Salon Cuvee wine features pale golden sparkling touches with delicate bubbles floating around the glass. 

It contains mineral, natural yeast, citrus, and white peach aromas with subtle baked almond notes on the senses. 

This is a vintage Champagne that is firm on the palate thanks to the mineral finish – making it perfect for pairing with grilled fish. 

A bottle of 2008 Salon Suvee ‘S’ Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne, France costs $3,203.

2. 1996 Krug Clos Du Mesnil Blanc De Blancs Brut, Champagne, France

A complex and deep bubble. This 1996 vintage Champagne from the Krug Champagne house is made using only the Chardonnay grape variety. 

It features rich aromas of mushroom, candied citrus fruit, and stone fruit. The palate has a long, smooth finish with a mineral backbone. 

A bottle of 1996 Krug Clos du Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne, France costs $3,053. 

3. 1990 Henri Giraud Grand Cru d’Ay Blanc de Blancs, Champagne, France

This 1990 vintage Champagne is a well-rounded sparkling wine. It features a unique stone fruit and oak aroma. 

On the palate, you’ll notice citrus freshness along with orange and lemon flavors. 

A bottle of 1990 Henri Giraud Grand Cru d’Ay Blanc de Blancs, Champagne, France costs $1,301. 

Final Thoughts

Blanc de Blanc translates to white of white and it refers to a type of white wine made exclusively from white grapes. 

These wines can typically be found sparkling and feature earthy and floral notes. However, this is largely dependent on the manufacturer. 

Hopefully, this guide has informed you of everything you need to know about Blanc de Blanc.

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