What are the differents grape varieties in Champagne ?

The Champagne region is world-renowned for its exceptional sparkling wines. One of the secrets of this renown lies in the diversity of grape varieties permitted in the Champagne appellation. These grape varieties, carefully cultivated and blended, play a key role in the complexity and richness of our champagnes. This article invites you to discover the main grape varieties in Champagne and their role in the elaboration of prestigious bottles, such as those offered by our Champagne Delaunois Chanez house, which you can order online from this official website.

The three main grape varieties in Champagne

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a white grape variety that accounts for around 30% of the vineyards in Champagne. Mainly grown in the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims regions, it is appreciated for its finesse and elegance. This grape gives champagnes floral, lemony and mineral notes, with a lovely freshness.

Blanc de Blancs champagnes, made exclusively from Chardonnay, are particularly prized for their lightness and ageing potential. If you appreciate refined, subtle champagnes, explore the range from Champagne Delaunois Chanez, where the mastery of Chardonnay is a true art.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir, a red grape variety with white juice, accounts for almost 38% of Champagne vines. It is mainly grown in the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Bar regions. This variety brings structure and power to the wines, with aromas of red and black fruits, sometimes complemented by spicy notes.

Lovers of full-bodied champagnes, with a round mouthfeel, will be seduced by cuvées incorporating Pinot Noir. Champagne Delaunois Chanez offers blends that sublimate this grape variety in harmonious, well-balanced compositions.

Meunier

Meunier, also a red grape variety, accounts for around 32% of planted areas. It is mainly grown in the Marne Valley. This grape variety is distinguished by its suppleness and fruitiness, making it ideal for accessible, gourmet champagnes.

Thanks to its ability to adapt well to cooler climates, Meunier often plays a key role in blends, bringing roundness and fruity aromas. If you’re looking for warm, generous champagnes, Champagne Delaunois Chanez offers cuvées in which Meunier reveals its full potential.

Champagne’s minority grape varieties

In addition to the three main grape varieties, four others are authorized in the Champagne appellation: Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Although rare, these ancient grape varieties are still cultivated by certain passionate winegrowers. They contribute to the richness of Champagne’s winegrowing heritage and to atypical cuvées, often in limited editions.

Arbane and Petit Meslier

These two white grape varieties bring freshness and acidity to blends. Their low yields explain their rarity, but when used, they offer a beautiful aromatic complexity.

Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris

These red grape varieties with white juice, close to Pinot Noir and Meunier, are sometimes used for their subtle aromas and their ability to enrich champagnes with singular nuances.

The role of blending

One of the specialities of Champagne lies in the art of blending. Winemakers combine different grape varieties, terroirs and harvest years to create unique champagnes. This mastery of blending guarantees consistent quality while expressing the typicity of each house.

Champagne Delaunois Chanez continues this tradition, crafting refined champagnes that reflect the savoir-faire of the Champagne region. Visit our website to discover our range and order all our cuvées online!

Conclusion

Champagne grape varieties, whether in the majority or minority, are the essence of these exceptional sparkling wines. Each grape variety brings its own aromatic and structural characteristics, contributing to the richness and diversity of champagnes.

Whether you’re a fan of Blanc de Blancs, elegant rosés or more structured cuvées, Champagne Delaunois Chanez invites you to explore its creations. Visit our website  to order your champagnes online and enjoy bottles where tradition and excellence meet.