Discover the Grapes of Champagne

Do you know which grapes are used in champagne?

There are three main grapes that are used in champagne two red grapes and one white grape.

38% of plantings come from the Pinot Noir grape. Pinot Noir is one of the most popular grapes and it is a red grape that does well in cool climates. Pinot Noir is grown in the Aube region as well as the Montagne de Reims due to the chalky soil. Pinot Noir provides body to the champagnes.

30% of plantings come from the Chardonnay grape. Chardonnay is a white grape that is used in the production of champagne and is exclusively grown in the Côte des Blancs region. Hence a Blanc de Blancs champagne is made from 100% Chardonnay and it literally translates to White from Whites. The soils from this region are very chalk heavy. I love a good Blanc de Blancs champagne and will definitely do another post about this type of champagne.

32% of plantings come from the Pinot Meunier grape. Pinot Meunier is the third grape that is used and it is a red grape and is likely the least known of the three. This grape comes from the Vallée de la Marne region which has more clay like soil. There are some producers who do produce champagne made from 100% Pinot Meunier and I hope to try them soon!