Champagne Grapes : Everything You Need to Know (Without Falling Asleep)

Champagne Grapes : Everything You Need to Know (Without Falling Asleep)

“I drink Champagne when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company, I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it - unless I’m thirsty.”
― Lily Bollinger said it best, and honestly, same!

Champagne is iconic. It's dramatic. It's the Beyoncé of the wine world. 
But behind the sparkle and the bubbles, there's actual nerdy science happening, and that's where things get fun.

So instead of drowning you in a 400-page viticulture lecture, here's the shortened version. 

First things first: Champagne has eight permitted grapes.

The Big Three are:

  • Chardonnay
  • Pinot Noir
  • Pinot Meunier (pronounced MOON-yay)

The other five?

  • Pinot Gris
  • Pinot Blanc
  • Petit Meslier
  • Arbane
  • Voltis (new kid in school, arrived in 2021)

You don't need to memorise them. Just knowing they exist already puts you ahead of 95% of humans. 

Now, let's break down the Big Three

Chardonnay - The Quiet Overachiever

Chardonnay gets way too much hype for a grape that represents less than 10% of the overall production in the region.

This grape creates freshness, high acidity, and a solid backbone to the wine. Winemakers love Chardonnay because it is more easily influenced by their maneuverers. Longevity in the bottle is another boon for this noble grape.

Fun fact to remember:
Blanc de Blancs = 100% Chardonnay

Pinot Noir - The Bodybuilder of the Blend

Pinot Noir is primarily responsible for:

  • Body
  • Power
  • Richness
  • The 'mmm wow what is that?" moment you take your first sip.

Another fun fact: 
Blanc de Noirs’ = made from Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, or both.

Pinot Meunier - The Underdog Hero

Pinot Meunier is the workhorse grape of the three. This grape does the work, delivers the flavour and contributes to balancing out the other two diva grapes.

Pinot Meunier gives the cherry, raspberry and strawberry flavours to the finished blend.

So, why does the blend matter? 
Because the blend is the whole personality of the Champagne.

More Chardonnay? Fresh, zippy, elegant
More Pinot Noir? Big, bold, full-bodied
More Pinot Meunier? Fruity, friendly, easy-going. 

Champagne houses blend these grapes to create the flavours they're famous for - like a signature scent, but drinkable. 

Just remember:
Never touch the stuff......unless you're thirsty. 

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