Chardonnay Discovery in the Cote de Blanc
Whether you are a seasoned wine enthusiast or a newcomer eager to explore the nuanced world of Chardonnay, the Cote des Blancs offers a profound insight into the subtlety and elegance of Chardonnay-based Blanc de Blancs Champagnes. This term translates to "white from whites," indicating a Champagne made exclusively from white grapes. Originating from Burgundy, Chardonnay first gained fame for its still wines in regions like Chablis and Sancerre. From the vineyard to the flute, discover why this grape variety continues to captivate wine lovers around the globe.
Sample Itinerary
• 09:30 - Immersive Grand Cru Chardonnay Vineyard visit with the winemaker
• 12:00 - Grand Cru Vineyard Picnic
• 14:30 - Cellar Visit and Tasting at Ruinart
Famous Chardonnay Brands
A number of prestigious Champagne houses specialize in Chardonnay, crafting exquisite Blanc de Blancs that are sought after by connoisseurs worldwide:
Ruinart: is known for its refined purity and complexity, Ruinart is the oldest established Champagne house, highly regarded for its Chardonnay expressions.
Taittinger: is celebrated for its consistently light and elegant style, Taittinger produces some of the finest Blanc de Blancs Champagnes.
Gosset: is one of the oldest wine houses in Champagne, Gosset is revered for its minimalistic approach to winemaking, allowing the Chardonnay’s character to shine through.
Chardonnay in Champagne
In the Champagne region, the Cote des Blancs stands out for its almost exclusive cultivation of Chardonnay, which thrives in the chalky soils providing the mineral undertones distinctive to the area’s Blanc de Blancs. These Champagnes are celebrated for their crisp acidity, delicate bouquet, and remarkable complexity. The chardonnay accounts for about one third of grape plantings in the Cote de Blancs. Being slower to develop than the other two varieties used to make Champagne, chardonnay wines age well. Chardonnay is higher yielding, easier to grow and less prone to oxidation than the two Pinots. It's neutral character, lends itself to transmit the flavor of the terroir where it is grown.
Grand Cru Cotes de Blancs Villages
The Cote des Blancs is home to several Grand Cru villages, where some of the best Chardonnays are cultivated. The villages of Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger and Oiry are renowned for producing some of the finest examples of Blanc de Blancs, each bringing its unique characteristics to the forefront of Champagne production. The Côte des Blancs mostly covers eastern-facing slope, sheltered from the strong westerly winds, and planted: with 95% Chardonnay grapes. The white grape producing vines flourish on the chalk rich soil, from which they also derive their aromatic sophistication. Champagnes in this area includes "blanc de blancs". The area lies South of the Montagne de Reims and 20 km south of Epernay.
Characteristics of Chardonnay
Chardonnay grapes are distinguished by their green to golden hue, quite a contrast to the purplish Pinot Noir. The grape produces an elegant white wine that often carries with it hints of green apples, citrus, and tropical fruits, depending on its growing environment. Due to their similar appearance in leaves, vines, and clusters, Chardonnay grapes are sometimes mistaken for Pinot Blanc. However, Chardonnay’s adaptability to different terroirs and its proficiency in both sparkling and still wine production have earned it the affectionate title of "Noble Chardonnay." Chardonnay is one of the world’s most widely recognized and cultivated white wine grape.