Glossary
Blanc de Noirs
A white champagne made entirely from black grapes — Pinot Noir, Meunier, or a blend of the two — pressed carefully to avoid colour extraction.
Blanc de Noirs — “white of blacks” — is a champagne produced from black grapes only. Because both Pinot Noir and Meunier have clear juice, a gentle press yields a white must; the skins, which carry the colour, are separated quickly.
The style is broader and more full-bodied than Blanc de Blancs, with red-fruit and pastry notes dominant. Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Françaises, Krug Clos d’Ambonnay and many grower cuvées from Aÿ and the Montagne de Reims are produced in this style.
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