An Immersion into Blanc de Blanc Champagne: Masterclass

One of the great pleasures of Champagne is the exciting variety of styles you can experience. Some of this is based on winemaking- was the wine aged in oak barrels or only steel tanks? Was it put through malolactic? What about the dosage? First though, comes the choice of grapes. 

Many cuvées are blends of two or three varieties (or a much as seven in a few instances), while others are produced solely from Pinot Noir, Meunier or Chardonnay. The wines made only from Chardonnay are known as Blanc de Blancs – literally white from white – are what I call the soul of Champagne. This does not mean they are better than other cuvées, merely a different type of wine, one that in its best versions, displays very good natural acidity along with a distinct minerality. This combination allows for excellent aging potential as well as a wide range of pairing options, be it shellfish, deep sea fish, or even strongly flavoured aged cheeses.

While Chardonnay is grown throughout much of the Champagne region, it is most famously realized in the Côte des Blancs, south of Epernay. Producers seek out vineyards in this zone, especially in the Grand Cru villages of Avize, Cramant, Oiry, Oger and Le Mesnil sur-Oger. This is the spiritual home, if you will, of Chardonnay in Champagne.

There will be a door prize on the night – a bottle of Champagne that we’ll give away to a lucky someone at the end of the evening. We hope to see you there!

Pictured: Pascal Agrapart

ON TASTING

On Arrival:
Champagne Laherte Frères Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature NV – en Magnum

1st Bracket:
Champagne Laherte Frères Premier Cru Nature de Craie NV
Champagne Vouette et Sorbée Blanc d’Argile Blanc de Blancs NV
Champagne Larmandier-Bernier 1er Cru Terre de Vertus Blanc de Blancs 2016

2nd Bracket:
Champagne Agrapart & Fils Grand Cru Terroirs Blanc de Blancs NV
Champagne Bérêche et Fils Grand Cru Cramant 2018
Champagne Suenen C + C Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru NV