Blanc de Blanc Champagne: Styles, 10 Great Wines (2024)

Wine connoisseurs know Blanc de Blanc Champagne as the epitome of finesse and elegance. 

Made entirely from white wine grape varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc, this bubbly is a wine drinker’s delight with its zesty and uplifting flavors. 

And, of late, 100% Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs cuvées have been enjoying a renaissance.

This article explores the exciting world of Blanc de Blanc Champagne - how it’s made, how it is different from Blanc de Noirs, and the best Blanc de Blanc Champagnes to invest in 2021.

You’ll also find a super-easy way to invest in these fine bubblies.

What Is Blanc de Blanc Champagne?

Blanc de Blancs Champagnes are sparkling wines made entirely from white wine grape varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc. The term Blanc de Blanc means “white from whites”.

These wines are made in the Champagne region of France using the traditional ‘Methode Champenoise’ where the secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle.

Although most Champagne producers make Blanc de Blancs sparkling wines from Chardonnay, some winemakers also use Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Petit Meslier, and Arbane white wine grape varieties in the blend.

For non-vintage Champagnes, the winemaker adds a part of reserve wine to give it aging notes.

Now, if you’re a Champagne lover, you must’ve come across the term ‘Blanc de Noirs.’ 

How are the two different from each other?

The Difference Between “Blanc de Blanc” And “Blanc de Noirs”

While Blanc de Blancs are made entirely from white grape varieties, Blanc de Noirs (“white from blacks”) are made from red grapes like Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. 

100% Blanc de Blancs are usually made from the Chardonnay grape, and 100% Blanc de Noirs are made from the Pinot Noir grape variety.

So, even though both Champagnes have a clear to golden color and a long-lasting fizz, they taste different. Blanc de Blancs Champagnes are lighter, drier, and fruitier than Blanc de Noirs. Blanc de Noir wines are richer with a fuller body.

Let’s explore the different Champagne regions where Blanc de Blancs are made.

Where Are Blanc de Blanc Wines Made? (Champagne Subregions)

Blanc de Blancs sparkling wines made from the Chardonnay grape variety are produced in two subregions - Cote des Blanc and Cote de Sezanne. 

Chardonnay particularly loves the chalky soils of Cote des Blanc (south of Epernay) - producing crisp, tight, and well-balanced sparkling wines. Cote de Blancs has 13 villages under it - six Grand Crus and seven Premier Crus.

Needless to say, the Chardonnay grape yield from different Grand Cru vineyards produces wines with distinct flavors. The white grapes (especially the Chardonnay grape variety) from these vineyard plots are rich and concentrated reflecting the unique terroir of each Grand Cru village vineyard.

Take a look at the unique wine styles from the Cote de Blancs Grand Cru villages:

• Chouilly Grand Cru village produces some of the richest Blanc de Blancs that have a subtle minerality.
• Cramant wines are admired for their creamy and smooth texture.
• Avize Champagnes have an intense minerality with a firm body.
• Oger Blanc de Blancs wines are a perfect balance of austerity and minerality. 
• Le Mesnil-sur-Oger Champagnes are admired for their freshness and firm texture.
• Oiry Blanc de Blancs are admired for their bright acidity and refreshing green apple flavor.

Besides being excellent expressions of the terroir of these Grand Cru vineyards, the best Chardonnay sparklers of Cote de Blancs also showcase the brilliance of the regional wine growers.

The other Champagne region, Cote de Sezanne, produces riper wines with a little less finesse and a stronger character.

Now, the rise Blanc de Blancs has created a range of diverse styles within the segment.

Blanc de Blanc Wine Styles

Based on their sweetness levels, Blanc de Blanc Champagnes usually fall under three primary designations: 

• Brut Nature: Brut Nature wines have up to 3 grams of sugar per liter. It is drier than the other Champagnes.
• Extra Brut: Extra Brut wines have up to 6 grams of sugar per liter.
• Brut: Brut Champagnes have up to 12 grams of sugar per liter.

But, what’s the source of this sweetness?

After the secondary fermentation in the winemaking process, the winemaker adds “dosage” to balance the Champagne’s dry texture. Dosage is a small amount of wine mixed with sugar added to the Champagne before bottling the wine. This affects the final sweetness of the wine.

How Does Blanc de Blanc Champagne Taste?

Sparkling wine made from a blend of white grape varieties (like Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris) has white fruit, butter, and fresh bread aromas. On the palate, this bubbly is usually dry and has a crisp and balanced acidity. 

This Blanc de Blancs Champagne usually has a dominant white flower aroma when it is young. As it matures, it develops a nutty character.

Blanc de Blancs made from 100% Chardonnay grape have strong citrus, green apple, and mineral flavors. They gain honey and butter notes with aging.

Food Pairings With Blanc de Blanc Champagne

A Blanc de Blancs Champagne is best paired with seafood dishes like oysters, grilled fish, and scallop crudo, or desserts like lemon sorbet. You can also drink this sparkling wine as an aperitif.

Ready to find the best Blanc de Blanc to buy now?

Best Blanc de Blanc Champagnes In 2024 (Including Tasting Notes, Prices)

Here are some of the best Blanc de Blanc Champagnes - perfect for drinking, cellaring, or as a wine gift!

1. 1996 Krug Clos du Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne, France 

A deep and complex bubbly, this 1996 vintage Champagne by the Krug Champagne house is made entirely from the Chardonnay grape variety.

It has rich mushroom, stone fruit, and candied citrus fruit aromas. The palate has a mineral backbone with a long smooth finish.

Price of 1996 Krug Clos du Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne, France: $3,053

2. 2008 Salon Cuvee 'S' Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne, France

The 2008 Salon Cuvee is a pale golden sparkling wine displaying delicate bubbles in the glass. 

It has natural yeast, mineral, white peach, and citrus aromas with subtle baked almond notes on the nose. This vintage Champagne is firm on the palate with a mineral finish - a perfect pair with grilled fish.

Price of 2008 Salon Cuvee 'S' Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne, France: $3,203

3. 1990 Henri Giraud Grand Cru d'Ay Blanc de Blancs, Champagne, France

A well-rounded sparkling wine, this 1990 vintage Champagne has a unique oak and stone fruit aroma. You will notice a citrus freshness and lemon and orange flavor on the palate. 

Price of 1990 Henri Giraud Grand Cru d'Ay Blanc de Blancs, Champagne, France: $1,301

4. Pierre Peters Heritage Blanc de Blancs, Champagne, France

In the glass, this Champagne showcases beautiful and delicate bubbles. This bubbly has a youthful nose with fresh floral notes. The elegant and creamy palate has hazelnut and citrus fruit flavors. 

Oysters make the perfect food pairing with this sparkler.

Price of Pierre Peters Heritage Blanc de Blancs, Champagne, France: $1,036

5. Ruinart L'Exclusive Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne, France

This sparkling wine by the Ruinart Champagne house gives off an intense ripe fruit aroma of white peach and pineapple. The classic Ruinart taste of white peach with a long, silky finish will leave you enamoured!

Price of Ruinart L'Exclusive Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne, France: $927

6. Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades Silver Blanc de Blancs, Champagne, France 

This non-vintage Armand de Brignac sparkler has pure Chardonnay flavors with ripe fruit aromas and subtle chalky hints. This bubbly wine is full-bodied with a good grip and a salty aftertaste.

Price of Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades Silver Blanc de Blancs, Champagne, France : $677

7. 2004 Pierre Peters Les Chetillons Oenotheque Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne, France 

Another brilliant bubbly from the Champagne region, this sparkling wine showcases the region’s exceptional terroir.

It has a fresh grapefruit flavor balanced by subtle bitterness and exquisite white flower notes.

Price of 2004 Pierre Peters Les Chetillons Oenotheque Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne, France: $576

8. Jacques Selosse Substance Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne, France

A beautiful bright golden wine by Jacques Selosse Champagne house, this Grand Cru bubbly is a must-try wine for every wine lover.

On the nose, the wine gives off fresh floral notes and subtle candied fruit, oriental spice, dried fruit, and honey aromas. The palate is well-structured, with a mineral taste and dried fruit finish.

Price of Jacques Selosse Substance Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne, France: $461

9. 2000 Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque - Fleur de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Millesime, Champagne, France 

This sparkling wine has crisp rose, vanilla bean, and yeast aromas. On the palate, you get crisp acidity, balanced flavors, and a pleasing aftertaste.

Price of 2000 Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque - Fleur de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Millesime, Champagne, France: $444

10. 2009 Carbon Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut Millesime, Champagne, France 

The 2009 Carbon Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut Millesime has a rich palate with a strong fruity flavor. This bubbly has a clear finish complemented by a subtle mineral aftertaste.

Price of 2009 Carbon Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut Millesime, Champagne, France: $513

Now, let’s see if these wines are worth cellaring for the long term.

Should You Invest In Blanc de Blanc Champagne?

Most Blanc de Blanc Champagnes can age gracefully for 10-30 years, thanks to their chalky texture and high acidity. They develop rich nutty flavors and complex aromas as they mature. 

What adds to the allure is that prestigious wine houses like Krug and Ruinart produce Blanc de Blanc Champagnes only in certain vintages and in limited quantities. For instance, Charles Heidsieck, has only released five Blanc de Blancs vintages in the past four decades.

Besides, they come at attractive price points - for instance, you could find a high-quality non-vintage Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs ($50-$80) at half the price of a Grand Cru Chablis. However, vintage Blanc de Blancs from prestigious wine houses could be priced over $400.

Because of their longevity, limited production numbers, and the ability to develop exceptional flavors, these Champagnes often command high prices in the secondary market.

So, if you’re looking for fine wine investment opportunities, then a Blanc de Blanc Champagne from top producers like Krug, Salon, Ruinart, Pol Roger, Louis Roederer, and others is the way to go!

But, how will you ensure your bottle of fine wine is authentic and not counterfeit? You’ll also have to arrange the perfect storage space for it, besides the shipping and handling.

Your best bet would be to buy your bottle through a trusted online wine investment company like Vinovest that’ll not only authenticate your bottle but will help you store it perfectly, and more.

Invest in Fine Blanc de Blanc And Other Champagnes Through Vinovest

Vinovest is an online wine investment company that helps wine lovers across the globe buy, store, and sell authentic collectible wines. 

In addition to buying, storage, and selling, Vinovest will also help you get your bottle delivered at your or your buyer’s doorstep, hassle-free!

How Does It Work?

You can start investing online in fine wines with four easy steps.

• Sign up on Vinovest.
• Answer a quick questionnaire to share your risk appetite and investment preferences.
• Fund your Vinovest account (minimum $1,000.)
• Start building an exotic wine collection by adding a fine Pinot Noir to your wine portfolio.

Benefits

Here are some reasons to start your investment journey through Vinovest.

1. AI-Driven Buying And Selling

Vinovest has an AI-driven online platform that makes buying and selling authentic wines super-easy. So if you’re dreaming of exceptional red wines like a Burgundian Pinot Noir, a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, or a bottle of fine Chardonnay, be rest assured that they could be in your wine portfolio within minutes!

2. Best Prices

Vinovest sources your Pinot Noir or other fine wine directly from wineries, global wine auctions, and wine exchanges - ensuring that you get your bottle of fine wine at the best price.

3. Portfolio Management

Vinovest’s team of expert data scientists and Master Sommeliers continuously monitors your portfolio to ensure that you gain maximum returns.

4. Optimal Storage

Your bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and other fine wine is stored in temperature-controlled warehouses. The warehouses have optimal light, vibration, and humidity levels.

5. Rare Wine Network

While investing through Vinovest, you’ll get access to a deep network of rare wineries, limited edition bottles, and upcoming vineyards around the globe.

6. Security

Your bottle of fine wine is kept under 24/7 surveillance to ensure that it is safe at all times. Also, the warehouses have an additional power backup facility in case of power cuts.

7. Hassle-Free Delivery

Found the right buyer for your delicious Champagne?

Vinovest will get your bottle delivered hassle-free to your or your buyer’s doorstep.

8. Low Overall Price

You only pay a minimal fee of 2.5% (1.9% for a portfolio of $50,000.) This fee includes services like buying, selling, portfolio management, full-coverage insurance policy, and optimal storage.

Own A Rare Blanc de Blanc Champagne

The rich flavors of Blanc de Blanc Champagne makes it a perfect drink for celebrating big events. The brilliant aging potential of these fine sparkling wines make them a perfect addition to your cellar as well. 

In short, if you’re a wine lover, then a fine Blanc de Blanc deserves a place in your collection.

Get in touch with Vinovest by signing up on the website to add a fine Blanc de Blanc (and more) to your exotic wine collection.