Blanc de Blanc Champagne wine: What is it?

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about Blanc de Blanc Champagne wine.

What is Blanc de Blanc Champagne?

Blanc de Blanc Champagne is sparkling wine made only from white grapes, usually Chardonnay.

Its name means “white of whites” in French, highlighting its pure and elegant nature.

This type of Champagne is known for its light, crisp, and refined taste.

How Blanc de Blanc differs from other Champagnes

Unlike other Champagnes that use a mix of white and black grapes, Blanc de Blanc is made only with white grapes.

This gives it a lighter, fresher taste, while blended Champagnes often have a fuller, richer flavor profile.

Blanc de Blanc grapes

Chardonnay is usually the main grape used for Blanc de Blanc.

It grows well in the cool Champagne region and is prized for its bright acidity and delicate flavors.

Chardonnay gives Blanc de Blanc its signature citrus, floral, and mineral notes.

Blanc de Blanc Champagne Flavor Profile

Blanc de Blanc has a crisp and refreshing taste with notes of lemon, green apple, and white flowers.

It often has a subtle minerality and can develop richer flavors like toasted bread, nuts, or honey if aged.

See our article on Chardonnay wine to read about Chardonnay flavors in detail.

How Blanc de Blanc is Made: The winemaking process

Blanc de Blanc Champagne is crafted using the traditional method, also known as the Méthode Champenoise, which is renowned for creating high-quality sparkling wines.

The process begins with harvesting Chardonnay grapes, typically by hand, to ensure that only the best fruit is selected.

The grapes are gently pressed to extract juice while minimizing contact with the skins, keeping the wine’s color and flavor delicate.

After pressing, the juice undergoes a primary fermentation to create a base wine, which is still and dry.

The magic of Champagne happens during the second fermentation. Winemakers add a mixture of sugar and yeast, called the liqueur de tirage, to the base wine before sealing it in a bottle with a temporary cap.

This causes a secondary fermentation inside the bottle, producing the wine’s iconic bubbles. During this phase, the wine also develops complexity as it interacts with the dead yeast cells, or lees, that settle at the bottom.

After the fermentation is complete, the wine is aged on its lees, often for several years. This aging process enhances the flavor and texture, adding notes of brioche, toasted nuts, and creaminess.

When aging is complete, the lees are removed through a process called disgorgement, and a final dosage of sugar and wine (liqueur d’expédition) is added to balance the flavor and determine the sweetness level, such as Brut or Demi-Sec.

The result is a crisp, refined sparkling wine with the finesse that defines Blanc de Blanc Champagne.

Pairing Blanc de Blanc Champagne with food

Blanc de Blanc pairs well with light, delicate foods.

It’s perfect with seafood like oysters, shrimp, or scallops.

Soft cheeses, buttery dishes, or even a simple green salad also complement its bright acidity and flavors.

For a more detailed guide, see our article on the 10 best Chardonnay food pairings.

Blanc de Blanc Champagne serving tips

Serve Blanc de Blanc Champagne well chilled between 6ºC to 10ºC (43-50ºF).

Use a flute or tulip-shaped glass to capture the bubbles and aroma.

Be gentle when opening the bottle to preserve its sparkle and freshness.

See our guide on how to open Champagne safely for an easy and quick step-by-step guide.

Blanc de Blanc vs. Blanc de Noir: key differences

Blanc de Blanc is made from white grapes like Chardonnay, while Blanc de Noir is made only from black grapes, such as Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier.

Blanc de Blanc is light and citrusy, while Blanc de Noir has a fuller body and flavors of red fruit or spice.

Aging potential of Blanc de Blanc Champagne

High-quality Blanc de Blanc can age beautifully.

When young, it’s fresh and zesty, but over time it develops deeper flavors like honey, nuts, and brioche.

Some vintage Blanc de Blancs can age for over a decade.

How to choose the right Blanc de Blanc Champagne

To choose a good Blanc de Blanc, look for trusted producers and check the label for terms like “Grand Cru” or “Premier Cru.”

Decide if you prefer a non-vintage Champagne for its freshness or a vintage one for its complexity.

Explore smaller brands for unique options.

Blanc de Blanc Champagne: Dry, Sweet, or Brut?

Most Blanc de Blanc Champagnes are Brut, which means they typically taste dry.

If you prefer something sweeter, look for Extra Dry, Demi-Sec or Sec styles.

See table below for details on sweetness levels in Champagne.

Always check the label to know the sweetness level.

Best occasions to enjoy Blanc de Blanc

Blanc de Blanc suits both casual and formal occasions.

It’s a great choice for brunch, picnics, or summer parties, but it’s also sophisticated enough for elegant dinners, holidays, or galas.

Popular Blanc de Blanc Champagne brands

Many famous Champagne houses produce Blanc de Blanc.

Krug and Ruinart are known for their luxurious options, while Taittinger offers a fresh and approachable style.

Smaller producers like Pierre Gimonnet also create highly regarded Blanc de Blancs.

Read with confidence: I am a certified wine expert (WSET L3).