BLANC DE BLANCS VS BLANC DE NOIRS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Same maison, same sub-brand, entirely different styles… check out the subtle colour difference here.

When it comes to sparkling wine, you’ve probably seen the terms Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs gracing the labels of premium bottles, especially Champagne. These styles might sound fancy, but they’re really just describing the grapes used to make the wine. That said, the differences between Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs go far beyond what’s in the vineyard - they’re two distinct expressions of sparkling wine that offer wildly different drinking experiences. 

Blanc de Blancs: CLEAN & CRISP Elegance 

Blanc de Blancs translates to “white of whites,” meaning it’s made entirely from white grapes, most commonly Chardonnay. In Champagne, where this style originated, Blanc de Blancs is celebrated for its finesse, elegance, and age-worthy potential. Chardonnay’s naturally high acidity and delicate flavours lend themselves to wines that are bright, zesty, and often more mineral-driven than their darker-skinned counterparts. 

In the glass, you’ll typically find flavours of citrus, green apple, pear, and white flowers, with a crisp, clean finish. Blanc de Blancs wines are often described as "linear" - they tend to have a sharp, focused acidity that makes them incredibly refreshing and perfect for food pairing. With age, these wines can develop notes of toasted nuts, brioche, and honey, but they never lose their sense of refinement. 

If you’re into delicate, pure, and sophisticated wines, Blanc de Blancs is your go-to. It’s ideal for seafood, sushi, or simply sipping on its own when you’re in the mood for something that feels a bit more special than your typical NV. 

Some options I love:

• Ruinart Blanc de Blancs NV, Champagne, France

  Ruinart is the oldest Champagne house, and with the age comes wisdom and years of refined winemaking. Their Blanc de Blancs is a masterclass of finesse, with aromas of white peach, pear, citrus and jasmine, unfurling to reveal a delicate balance of a creamy texture and vibrant acidity. The chardonnay used for this cuvee is sourced primarily from Premier Cru vineyards, showcasing the maison’s dedication to quality. A great gifting option too, as most bottles come shrouded in a ‘second skin’ paper shell, inspired by a maître d’s white serviette wrap – it helps to insulate and regulate the bottle temperature too in an ice bucket.  

• Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 2014, England 

  Planting their first vines in the 1990’s, Nyetimber is perhaps the trailblazer for English sparkling wine. Its Blanc de Blancs is a testament to both Sussex’s cool climate and chalky terroir – a jewel in the English winemaking crown. At first sip, you’ll notice a crisp acidity with noticeable citrus and green apple, pear and white peach aromas. The notes of the vintage still shine through, with a warmth and light spice only age can provide.  

Blanc de Noirs: The Bold & Beautiful 

On the flip side, Blanc de Noirs - or “white of blacks” - is made entirely from dark-skinned grapes like Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier. Despite being made from red grapes, the wine itself is white (or lightly coloured) because the skins are removed before fermentation - check the difference in the image above. Blanc de Noirs wines are typically richer, fuller-bodied, and more robust than Blanc de Blancs, with flavours that lean towards red berries, stone fruits, and sometimes a hint of spice. 

Blanc de Noirs wines often have more weight and texture too, making them a great choice for standing up to heartier dishes like roasted chicken, rich umami dishes like truffle risotto, or even charcuterie. If you’re looking for a sparkling wine with a bit more oomph - something that feels more indulgent and opulent - Blanc de Noirs is your girl. 

If you’d like to try, I’d recommend: 

• Piper-Heidsieck Essential Blanc de Noirs, Champagne, France 

  Piper-Heidsieck is well known for its consistent quality and innovative winemaking. For this cuvee, winemakers leant heavily on Pinot Noir sourced from vineyards in the clay-rich soils of Montagne de Reims, which amplify the grape’s bold tones. Notes of red berries, baked red apple and subtle spice make this a delicate but versatile choice.

• Raventós i Blanc ‘Textures de Pedra’ Blanc de Noirs 2020, Penedès, Spain 

  Moving to Spain now, where Raventós i Blanc elevates Cava with its complex Blanc de Noirs. Made predominantly from the rare pink-skinned Xarel·lo Vermell grape, this sparkling wine offers a unique profile of fresh cherries, strawberries and cranberries, layered with notes of fig, honey and a textural complexity derived from 48 months on lees. Taste next to its sister Blanc de Blancs for a masterclass in the diversity of Spanish Cava. 

THE TERROIR CONNECTION

The chalky soils of regions like Champagne’s Côte des Blancs are a natural home for Chardonnay. These soils reflect sunlight throughout the growing season, helping the grapes ripen in their cool climates while maintaining their bright acidity. The chalky soils also stretch to southern England, giving producers in Sussex and Kent the upper hand when producing mineral-forward Blanc de Blancs.

Meanwhile, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier thrive in clay-rich soils, which retain water and promote fuller-bodied, fruit-forward wines. The Montagne de Reims is a key source for high-quality Blanc de Noirs in Champagne, while Penedès offers a Mediterranean twist, with warmer conditions giving wines like Raventós i Blanc’s a riper, rounder profile.