Blanc de Noir (45)

The beauty of wine lies not only in its diverse aromas and flavors but also in the way it is made. A special wine that is becoming increasingly popular is Blanc de Noir. Unlike many other white wines, it is made from dark grapes. On this page, you will learn everything about the unique features and taste of Blanc de Noir wines.

What is Blanc de Noir?

Blanc de Noir is not a red wine. It is also known as white wine made from red grapes and represents a fascinating wine category. It stands out due to its unique production method. The term comes from French and literally translates to "White from Black." This refers to the fact that the wine is made from dark, red grapes. However, the juice remains white or very pale thanks to the special processing.

Traditionally, Blanc de Noir is home in France, particularly in the famous wine regions like Champagne. But it is also gaining recognition in Germany and other wine regions worldwide. This wine is extraordinary in many ways and offers wine lovers a uniquely nuanced tasting experience.

It may seem paradoxical to produce white wines from red or black grapes. However, this is a fascinating process that results in exceptional wines at the winery. The art lies in gently pressing the must of the dark grapes, ensuring that the skins, which contain the color pigments, have minimal contact with the juice. This results in a clear, light-quality wine or sparkling wine characterized by the complexity and depth of the red grapes.

The Unique Features of Blanc de Noir

Blanc de Noir wines are distinguished by their special finesse and complexity. Here are some of the outstanding characteristics:

• Clarity and purity: Despite their origin from dark grapes, Blanc de Noir wines are crystal clear or slightly golden.
• Production: One of the most striking aspects of Blanc de Noir is that it is made from red grapes. However, through special production methods, the wine manages to remain light in color.
• Special aromas and flavor notes: The juice of the grapes is fermented without long contact with the grape skins, resulting in a fine and light taste, often with subtle fruity notes and pleasant freshness.
• Versatility: Blanc de Noir wines can be produced as either dry or semi-dry. They are excellent for various occasions and dishes.

History and Origins of Blanc de Noir

The history of Blanc de Noir is closely linked to the development of modern wine technology and wine production. In Champagne, one of the most renowned origins for these wines, this technique was developed centuries ago. The method of making white wines from red grapes was initially developed to expand the diversity of grape varieties and their uses.

The idea of making white wine from red grapes was initially experimental. However, it quickly gained popularity as the resulting wines exhibited a surprisingly pleasant lightness and aromatic finesse.

In the 18th century, they began using the red Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes in Champagne for the production of sparkling wine. The fundamental idea was to create an elegant, light wine that captured the power and complexity of red grapes without the bold color and tannins typical of red wines. This technique quickly spread and was adapted in other wine regions.

Today, Blanc de Noir is a valued wine in various countries. Many winemakers worldwide are dedicated to the demanding process of producing Blanc de Noir, where the choice of suitable grape varieties plays a crucial role, as does the craftsmanship in the vineyard and cellar.

The Production of Blanc de Noir

The production process of Blanc de Noir is a delicate craft that requires skill and care. The key lies in the processing of the grapes to ensure that the juice has as little contact as possible with the skins. Here is an overview of the essential steps:

Grape Harvesting and Processing

The grapes for Blanc de Noir are carefully hand-picked to avoid damage and thus prevent quick color transfer. After harvest, the grapes are pressed, ensuring that the pressing is as gentle as possible. The juice that flows out during this process is clear or only lightly colored, as the color pigments are primarily found in the grape skins.

Fermentation and Aging

After pressing, the grape juice is filled into special containers for fermentation. The fermentation occurs similarly to that of white wines, often in stainless steel tanks, sometimes in wooden barrels to preserve the fresh and fruity character of the wine.

Aging

The aging of Blanc de Noir can take place in both steel tanks and wooden barrels, depending on the desired aroma profile. Longer aging can impart additional depth and complexity to the wine.

Used Grape Varieties

Blanc de Noir is made from various red grape varieties. Here are some of the most commonly used grape varieties:

• Pinot Noir: This noble grape variety is particularly popular in Champagne and contributes to elegant and complex white wines. This variety is known for its fine, elegant aromas and its ability to produce complex, structured wines. Pinot Noir often imparts notes of red berries, cherries, and a hint of herbs to Blanc de Noir wines.
• Pinot Meunier: Also native to Champagne, Pinot Meunier brings fruity and fresh notes to Blanc de Noir.
• Spätburgunder: In Germany, Spätburgunder is a preferred choice for Blanc de Noir wines. This grape variety offers similar characteristics to Pinot Noir but often has even more pronounced fruitiness and elegance.
• St. Laurent: An Austrian grape variety also used for Blanc de Noir, known for its fruity and fresh character.
• Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon: In rarer cases, these grape varieties are also used, particularly in warmer regions. They can add additional depth and complexity to the wine.

Taste and Aromas of Blanc de Noir

Blanc de Noir wines are characterized by a special depth of flavor and a wide range of aromas. The outstanding flavor of Blanc de Noir wines is shaped by the aromas of the used red grapes. Due to the short skin fermentation, the color intensity is low. However, due to the low acidity of the must and aging in wood, expressive wines develop. Typical for this type of wine are fruity aromas of cherries and blackberries accompanied by a delicate spicy note. A slight oxidation can also influence the taste of the wine and give it a pleasant nuttiness.

Aroma Profile

Here are some of the characteristic features:

• Fruity aromas: Typically, Blanc de Noir wines showcase aromas of red berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, and cherries. These fruity notes are often complemented by a hint of citrus and apples.
• Floral notes: Depending on the grape variety and aging process, floral tones such as violets or roses can also be detected.
• Minerality: Especially in wines from chalky soils, a pronounced minerality can be present, adding freshness and complexity to the wine.
• Spices and herbs: Some Blanc de Noir wines exhibit subtle spicy and herbal notes that add depth and structure to the wine.
• Texture and mouthfeel: These wines often have a silky texture with pleasant acidity that provides freshness. They are generally well-balanced with a fine mousse in sparkling wines.

Taste

On the palate, Blanc de Noir typically presents itself as fresh and vibrant, often with a pleasant acidity that creates a certain tension. The wines feel light and elegant on the palate, sometimes enhanced by a fine creaminess.

Perfect Food Pairings for Blanc de Noir

Blanc de Noir is an extremely versatile wine that pairs wonderfully with various dishes. Here are some recommendations:

• Fish and seafood: The fresh and light nature of Blanc de Noir pairs perfectly with fish dishes, such as grilled salmon, sea bream, or shellfish like shrimp and oysters.
• Poultry: Light poultry dishes like chicken breast, turkey, or duck harmonize excellently with the elegant notes of this wine.
• Vegetarian dishes: Blanc de Noir is also an excellent choice for salads, asparagus, or other light vegetable dishes.
• Light pasta dishes: White sauces, seafood, or vegetable pasta are ideal companions.
• Cheese: A creamy goat cheese or other mild cheeses perfectly complement the flavor of Blanc de Noir.

Fun Facts

• Did you know that there is a legal requirement in France regarding how light a Blanc de Noir wine must be? It must not be darker than Pinot Blanc.
• In 2016, a bottle of Blanc de Noir Champagne was auctioned in Germany for 30,000 euros.
• Blanc de Noir wine is also referred to as a phenomenal discovery, as it originated from a "mistake" during production.

Interesting Facts

• Origin: Blanc de Noir originally comes from Champagne.
• Popularity: This wine is particularly popular in France and Germany.
• Growing regions: In addition to Champagne, significant growing areas can also be found in Germany and other wine-producing countries.
• Technique: Blanc de Noir wine is a testament to the winemaker's skill. This requires excellent timing in removing the grape skins. The production demands precise craftsmanship, as uncontrolled color transfer can quickly lead to undesirable results.
• Diversity: Blanc de Noir can be produced both as a still wine and as a sparkling wine.
• Climatic conditions: Winemakers often achieve the best results in cooler climates.
• Storage: These wines are usually not intended for long storage and should be consumed young.
• Diversity of flavors: From citrus fruits and red berries to floral notes, Blanc de Noir offers a wide range of taste experiences.
• Rarity: Blanc de Noir is often produced in smaller quantities, making it sometimes hard to find.