Which grape varieties are permitted for the production of Champagne?
Champagne is an assemblage wine. Therefore, several grape varieties can be included in its composition, each bringing its own characteristic. The grape varieties of Champagne all have their own characteristics, which are expressed differently depending on the terroir.
The three most commonly used grape varieties are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier.
Pinot Noir
It accounts for 38% of the vineyards in Champagne. It is the dominant grape variety in the Montagne de Reims and in the Côte des Bar. It is an early-ripening grape variety. It prefers calcareous and fresh soils. It gives Champagne wines body, power and structure. The wines made from it are characterized by aromas of red and black fruits.
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Chardonnay
The Chardonnay vine accounts for 31% of the vineyards. It is the dominant grape variety of the Côte des Blancs. It is a vigorous, early-ripening grape variety that is particularly suitable for soils resting on underlying chalk, such as those of the Côte des Blancs. It gives Champagne freshness and minerality. Wines made from Chardonnay are characterized by delicate aromas, floral notes, citrus fruits and sometimes mineral notes. It is an ideal grape variety for aging wines.
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Pinot Meunier
Meunier accounts for 31% of the grapes grown in Champagne. This vigorous grape variety is less susceptible to frost than the other two due to its later bud break. Therefore, it is suitable for more clayey soils like in the Marne Valley and for harsher climatic conditions. Its name comes from the whitish color of the underside of its young leaves and buds, reminiscent of the whiteness of flour. Pinot Meunier gives wines fruitiness and fullness, which develop somewhat faster over time and are characterized by aromas of yellow fruits.
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Old Grape Varieties
Champagne wines can also be made from four other grape varieties permitted in Champagne and used for certain Champagnes: Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris.
They account for only 0.3% of the vineyards, but deserve attention due to their unique properties. These old grape varieties, which were neglected for a time because they are somewhat temperamental, have been experiencing renewed interest in recent years: they offer new taste possibilities for Champagne wines.
Arbane
The unknown and curious Arbane grape variety ripens late and is difficult to work with. It shies away from the weather and is difficult to press. Nevertheless, it gives Champagne great finesse. It imparts floral notes (hawthorn, carnation) and fruity notes (vineyard peach, apple, quince).
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Petit Meslier
Petit Meslier has small bunches and small berries. It is a not very vigorous grape variety that yields little and is very susceptible to disease. It gives Champagne a smoky nose that is reflected on the palate, as well as notes of citrus fruits.
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Fromenteau (local name for Pinot Gris or Grauburgunder)
It is a cousin, a variation of Pinot Noir. It is low in acid and gives wines pronounced notes of dried fruits and smoke... So much so that in Champagne it is called "l'enfumé" (the smoked one).
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Pinot Blanc (Weißburgunder)
This other member of the Pinot family is a variation of Pinot Gris (and thus of Pinot Noir). It yields more regularly than Pinot Gris and ripens faster than Pinot Noir. It gives wines fullness and power.
You can find some Champagnes made or blended from these rare grape varieties:
- Blanc de Blancs Cépages d'Autrefois - Ch. Léguillette-Romelot
- Millésime - Cépages d'Autrefois - Ch. Léguillette-Romelot
- Le Clos du Montdorin - Ch. Léguillette-Romelot
- Quattuor - Blanc de Quatre Blancs - Bio - Ch. Drappier
- Trop M'en Faut - Bio - Ch. Drappier
- Notes Blanches - Ch. Gautherot
- Horti - Ch. Liébart-Régnier
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