Beyond France traditional wine regions: exploring the grape varieties of Champagne

For our second foray into French grape varieties – and because we are getting closer to Christmas – we will be looking into the seven grape varieties of Champagne. The drink of celebrations, triumphs, and—let's be honest—those days when you just need a little sparkle in your life.
But what makes this bubbly nectar so special? Well, it’s all about the terroir – sure – but also the grapes! Let’s pop open the cork and dive into the trio that rules the Champagne kingdom.

First up, Champagne’s interpretation of Chardonnay, the queen of elegance. Crisp, refined, and full of grace, Chardonnay brings freshness and finesse to your glass. Blanc de Blancs, made entirely from Chardonnay, is like sipping pure sophistication with a hint of lemon zest—just enough to remind you that life can be both classy and zesty at once.

Next, we have Pinot Noir, the bold and brooding king. If Chardonnay is elegance, Pinot Noir is power. This black grape adds structure and depth to Champagne, like a velvet glove on an iron fist. It’s the backbone of many blends and brings those rich red fruit flavors that make you feel like you’re indulging in something slightly rebellious yet oh-so-refined.

And then there’s Pinot Meunier, often overshadowed by its more famous relatives, a grape that adds a fruity punch and a bit of softness to the mix. It’s less about aging gracefully and more about living in the moment—perfect for those non-vintage Champagnes you can’t wait to open.

And if time permits, we will be talking about (drink one even?) of the other four rare grapes—Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Petit Meslier, and Arbane—that are also permitted in Champagne production

Partner : Champagne Asia