When it comes to sparkling wines and Champagne in particular, there are diatribes that are difficult to resolve, one of which is Blanc de Blancs or Blanc de Noirs?
Blanc de Blancs refers to sparkling wines from white grapes only: in Champagne, only Chardonnay is used, while in Franciacorta and Trentodoc, Pinot Blanc is also used. The main characteristic of these sparkling wines is their extreme elegance, subtle floral notes and minerality; the sip is balanced with good freshness and acidity. In Champagne, Blanc de Blancs come mainly from the Côte des Blancs: here in the Crus of Avize, Cramant, Oger, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Chardonnay reaches very high quality levels and creates some of the most famous Champagnes. In Italy, Blanc de Blancs are mainly made in Franciacorta, Trentino, Oltrepò Pavese and Alta Langa.
Blanc de Noirs, on the other hand, refers to sparkling wines from red grapes only, above all Pinot Noir, one of the most widely used grape varieties to produce Champagne and sparkling wines. Blanc de Noirs are characterised by great structure, hints of white and red fruit and above all a full-body that enchants wine lovers. In Champagne, the only two black grape varieties that give rise to Blanc de Noirs are Pinot Noir and Meunier: Pinot Noir is the main grape found in the Montagne de Reims and Côte de Bar areas, while in the Vallée de la Marne the Meunier prevails. The most important Crus where Pinot Noir plays a leading role are Mesnil-sur-Oger and Cramant: the Blanc de Noirs produced here reach levels of quality that are difficult to equal. In Italy, one of the areas that produces great Blanc de Noirs is Oltrepò Pavese, as well as Franciacorta of course.
Let yourself be seduced by the charm of these unique sparkling wines, selected for you by our sommeliers!