The Grapes of Champagne

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir came to champagne in the 1500’s and today 38% of the region is planted with Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir adds structure to the blend. It is primarily planted in clay soils or in Kimmeridgian Marl. The Montagne de Reims and the Aube are the key Pinot Noir growing areas.

Meunier

Meunier is planted in 31% of the region. It has the least amount of alcohol out of the three grapes and provides fruitiness to the blend. It is the most frost resistant of the grapes and is therefore planted throughout the Vallée de la Marne in sandy soils or soils of marls and clay.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is planted in 30% of the region and it is the most acidic and has the most alcohol out of the three varieties. Chardonnay thrives in chalk soils and is primarily found in the Côte des Blancs, the Vitryat, the Côte de Sezanne and Montgueux.

There are four other varieties that can be used in the production of champagne: Arbanne, Pinot Gris, Petit Meslier, and Pinot Blanc. Arbanne has a flower bouquet that can easily dominate the cuvée. Petit Meslier is an inconsistent ripener and buds early allowing for frost damage.

Rootstocks and Clones - Rootstock 41B is the most popular rootstock in Champagne and 81% of the vines are grafted on it. The two other are S04 which thrives in limestone and 3309C. There are 50 different clones of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier that are recommended by the CIVC. Pinot Noir and Meunier clones are bigger berried and Chardonnay clones are higher in acid than those used for still wine production. Some producers use the recommended clones and others use section massale to replant their vineyards, however old vine material does not guarantee quality. The CIVC recommended clones are Pinot Noir 115, 779 and 927; Chardonnay 75, 76 and 95; and Meunier 977, 900 and 817. Low yielding clones produce 14,000 - 15,000 kg/ha and steady yielding clones produce almost 20,000.