Blanc de Noir Champagne: How is it made, 10 Best Wines (2024)

Blanc de Noir (French for “white from blacks”) is a white Champagne (or a sparkling wine) made from red grape varietals.

Traditional Champagne blends include three grape varieties: the black grapes of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and the white grape, Chardonnay. 

To make a Blanc de Noir Champagne, winemakers blend only Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier or make 100% Pinot Noir sparkling wine. 

But how exactly is white Champagne made from black grapes? What is the difference between Blanc de Noir and other Champagne styles?

Let’s go over all you need to know about Blanc de Noir, its winemaking, and the best Blanc de Noir Champagnes to get hold of. Additionally, we’ll explore a hassle-free way of adding these exquisite Champagnes to your wine collection!

How is Blanc de Noir Wine Made?

The popular belief is that red wine comes from red grape vines, while white wine always comes from white grapes. 

However, the juice of all grape varietals is white. The red coloration usually comes from the red grape skins, which contain pigments. When the grapes are pressed with their skins during fermentation, these colors leach into the wine giving it the traditional red hue.

When producing Blanc de Noir wine, the winemaker removes the dark grape skins after the fruit has been pressed. This way, the clear grape juice ferments separately and produces white sparkling wine.

But, is it the same as Blanc de Blanc or Rose Champagne?

Let’s take a look.

The Difference Between Blanc de Noir and Other Champagne Styles

This is what distinguishes a Blanc de Noir from other sparklers:

1. Blanc de Noir vs Blanc de Blanc

Blanc de Blanc translates to “white of whites,” and it is a sparkling wine produced with white grape varieties. Blanc de Blancs is usually made exclusively with fruit from the Chardonnay grape vines. 

Blanc de Blancs Champagne would have a similar pale yellow color as Blanc de Noir, but the flavor profile would be quite different. Blanc de Blanc is dryer and lighter, while Blanc de Noir is more fruity with a richer texture and a fuller body. 

2. Blanc de Noir vs Rose Wine

While Blanc de Noir is made only with the red grape juice, Rose wine is made by leaving the red grape berries in contact with the juice during the maceration period. The pigments of the grape skin leak into the juice and give it a pale pink color. 

The color intensity depends on how long the grape skins are left in contact with the juice. Usually, to obtain a light rose color, the maceration lasts no longer than a few hours.

Blanc de Noir Champagnes can vary in flavor based on their sweetness levels, aging potential, and classification. 

Let’s take a look at each of these elements so that you’ll know how to choose the right Blanc de Noir for your taste.

How to Pick the Right Blanc de Noir Champagne

Just like you would with other Champagnes, you should consider the following factors when choosing your Blanc de Noir Champagne as well: 

1. Sweetness

Blanc de Noirs are classified into the following designations based on how much sugar is in the bottle of Champagne - so look for these terms on the label:

• Brut Nature: Up to 3 grams of sugar 
• Extra Brut: Up to 6 grams of sugar
• Brut:  Up to 12 grams of sugar
• Extra-Dry: 12 to 17 grams of sugar
• Dry: 17 to 32 grams of sugar
• Demi-sec: 32 to 50 grams of sugar
• Doux: More than 50 grams of sugar

2. Aging

The Champagne aging period defines the final flavor profile. After the méthode champenoise fermentation in the bottle, the grower ages the Champagne on its lees to get its distinct toasty and nutty flavor.

Non-vintage and vintage Blanc de Noir Champagnes have different aging periods:

• Non-vintage: Non-vintage Champagnes are aged for at least 15 months on tirage (on their lees) and have more freshness.
• Vintage: Vintage Champagnes are aged for a minimum of three years on tirage and are made with grapes from a single vintage. Such Champagnes have a creamy texture and more pronounced yeast tasting notes.

3. Classification

On the Champagne label, look out for the Champagne region vineyard classification as well. This is a great indicator of the wine quality.

• Grand Cru: There are only 17 Grand Cru vineyard plots in the Champagne region. These are the plots of land that produce the highest-quality grapes.
• Premier Cru: The Premier Cru appellations are 42 in number, and they also produce grapes of superior quality.
• Autre Cru: These are the other vineyards that also produce good quality Champagnes but are not classified as Grand or Premier Crus.

Blanc de Noir Taste and Food Pairings

Blanc de Noir Champagnes are full-bodied and fruity. Pinot Meunier lends a distinct red fruit flavor and freshness, while the Pinot Noir grapes give it more citrusy notes. 

Pinot Noir Blanc de Noirs are more elegant with tasting notes of apple, lemon, and honey.

Blanc de Noir Champagnes pair well with various seafood aperitifs, lean meats, and grilled salmon. 

So, which are the Blanc de Noirs you should look out for in 2024?

Best Blanc de Noir Champagne to Buy in 2024 (Includes Prices, Tasting Notes)

Here are our 10 favorite Blanc de Noir Champagnes:

1. Krug Clos d'Ambonnay Blanc de Noirs Brut 1995 

This exquisite Krug Blanc de Noir Champagne is made exclusively with Pinot Noir grapes. The creamy texture and gentle mousse are accompanied by a baked apple pie tasting note and caramel undertones. The finish is long and rich with hints of minerality.

Price of Krug Clos d'Ambonnay Blanc de Noirs Brut 1995: $3,379

2. Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Francaises Blanc de Noirs 1992 

Here’s another Pinot Noir Blanc de Noir with fine bubbles and intense richness. The palate of this Bollinger wine unravels lemon and strawberry flavors with a nose of vanilla, brioche, and fresh fruit. Pair this seductive wine with a rich salmon dish or soft cheeses.

Price of Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Francaises Blanc de Noirs 1992: $2,319

3. Marie-Noelle Ledru Cuvee du Goulte Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru Brut 2005

This Pinot Noir-based Champagne has an elegant pale colour, crisp acidity, and delightful fruit nose. The dominant tasting notes of apple and peach gently transition into a biscuit aftertaste with a pronounced minerality. 

Price of Marie-Noelle Ledru Cuvee du Goulte Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru Brut 2005: $356

4. Tarlant La Vigne Royale Blanc de Noirs 2003

This exceptional Blanc de Noir Champagne offers an intense richness and opulent fruit bouquet of lemon, stone fruit, and apple. The palate reveals almond and brioche tasting notes complemented by a creamy texture and crisp acidity.

Price of Tarlant La Vigne Royale Blanc de Noirs 2003: $147

5. Billecart-Salmon 'Le Clos Saint Hilaire' Blanc de Noirs Brut 2019

Here we have a breathtaking Billecart-Salmon with lovely acidity, fine bubbles, and seductive fresh fruit aromas. Every sip of this divine Blanc de Noir delights with honey, strawberry, and hazelnut tasting notes and a fresh minerality.

Price of Billecart-Salmon 'Le Clos Saint Hilaire' Blanc de Noirs Brut 2019: $580

6. Leclerc Briant 'Les Basses Prieres' Hautvillers Premier Cru Zero Dosage 2014 

This remarkable Champagne offers bright acidity, mild tannin levels, and elegant mousse along with a subtle brioche aroma. On the palate, the green apple and melon tasting notes transition into cream and yeast undertones with a distinct minerality.

Price of Leclerc Briant 'Les Basses Prieres' Hautvillers Premier Cru Zero Dosage 2014: $164

7. Egly-Ouriet Blanc de Noirs Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru Brut

This non-vintage Champagne is a blend of Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir and offers complex, intense flavors. The fine bubbles and delightful acidity bring a distinct freshness. There is a dominant tasting note of pear followed by undertones of honey, smoke, and a gentle minerality.

Price of Egly-Ouriet Blanc de Noirs Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru Brut: $203

8. Cedric Bouchard Roses de Jeanne Les Ursules Blanc de Noirs 2006

This voluptuous sparkling wine offers an elegant expression of its terroir and an opulent bouquet of strawberry and stone fruit aromas. The flavor profile is floral with secondary tasting notes of yeast and citrus.

Price of Cedric Bouchard Roses de Jeanne Les Ursules Blanc de Noirs 2006: $281

9. Ulysse Collin 'Les Maillons' Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 2020

This young non-vintage sparkling wine has an elegant pale colour. It offers a complex savory texture with hints of smoke and toast. The palate offers an array of well-balanced flavors like apple, marzipan, and hazelnut. 

Price of Ulysse Collin 'Les Maillons' Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 2020: $177

10. Gonet-Medeville Ambonnay La Grande Ruelle Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru Extra Brut 2004

Here we have a delightful Champagne with a lively fruit aroma and a concentrated caramel and stone fruit flavor. The creamy texture and joyful bubbles create a gentle and balanced mouthfeel.  

Price of Gonet-Medeville Ambonnay La Grande Ruelle Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru Extra Brut 2004: $149

Now let’s evaluate the investment potential of these fine Blanc de Noirs Champagnes.

Should You Invest in Blanc de Noir Champagne? 

Some of the finest Blanc de Noirs from Champagne brands like Krug, Bollinger, Armand de Brignac, and Billecart-Salmon have great investment potential. 

Firstly, Blanc de Noir and other Champagne styles have great aging potential of 20 years and sometimes more in your cellar. 

These Champagnes also show encouraging price increases. 

Billecart-Salmon 'Le Clos Saint Hilaire' Blanc de Noirs Brut 2003  jumped up from $293 to $460 (57%) in the past year 2020-’21. Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Francaises Blanc de Noirs 1996 also jumped in price between 2020 and 2021 from $1,429 to $2,396 ( a 67% spike.)

The low production quantities of some of the Blanc de Noir Champagnes also drives their price up. For example, Krug Clos d'Ambonnay Blanc de Noirs is released in small batches of only 5,000 bottles each year, making it a highly desirable collectible. Similarly, only 3,000 bottles of the Armand de Brignac 2015 vintage Blanc de Noirs were ever released.

Blanc de Noir Champagnes also command high prices at auctions. 

In 2014, two 6-bottle lots of Krug Clos d'Ambonnay Blanc de Noirs 1995 were sold for a whopping $22,000 each at a Hart Davis Hart auction in Chicago. Two bottles of Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Francaises Blanc de Noirs 1988 were sold at a London auction in 2014 for $840 each.

In short, Blanc de Noir is a great collectible wine. 

But, is there an easy way to invest in these elegant Champagnes?

Invest in Blanc de Noir and Other Collectible Wines Through Vinovest

Vinovest is an AI-based wine investment platform that offers a hassle-free way of sourcing and managing a successful portfolio of collectible wine bottles.

How Does it Work?

You can get started with these five easy steps:

1. Sign up with your name, email, and password.
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3. Fund your account with a minimum of $1,000.
4. Vinovest’s algorithm will show you the best wine investment opportunities based on your investment style.
5. Sit back and relax with a glass of fine Burgundy wine while you watch your portfolio grow!

Benefits

Vinovest comes with a lot of benefits: 

1. Best Prices

Vinovest eliminates the retail markup on your wine’s price since they source your bottles directly from the winemakers and wine merchants. This way, you get unbeatable prices on your favorite sparkling, white and red wine!

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With Vinovest’s AI-based platform, all of your favorite wines from Burgundy, Napa, and other major wine regions are just a few clicks away.

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Blanc de Noir: A Divine Champagne Like No Other

Blanc de Noir Champagne is a sparkling delight with a lovely texture and a mesmerizing bouquet of aromas and flavors. Moreover, this Champagne is a great investment wine that deserves a place in your collection.

Vinovest will help you invest in your bottle of Blanc de Noir (and more), hassle-free.

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