About Champagne - Pinot Noir Grapes

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a black grape. It is not as long lived as Chardonnay but can impart far more complex flavours. As Champagne is a white sparkling wine, when it is made from 100% Pinot Noir or a Pinot Noir and Meunier mix, the Champagne is labelled Blanc de Noir (Literally: White of Black)

Pinot Noir Champagne flavours

The floral aroma of Pinot Noir is reminiscent of violet and rose petal. It has the rich fruity flavours of strawberry, cherry, raspberry and current. Pinot Noir champagnes can be spicy with seasoning of sassafras, rosemary, cinnamon, caraway and even peppermint. While having herbal tones of rhubarb, beet, oregano, green tomato, green tea and sometimes black olives

Oak and bottle age on Pinot Noir

The soil and exact area it is grown imparts its own flavours to the wine. These flavours can include: truffles, mushroom, earth and leather. If the wine is aged or fermented under oak, this process can impart extra aromas and tastes. Light oak aging will give essences of vanilla, coconut and sweet wood. Heavy oak age will furnish the Champagne with under tones of oak, smoke, toast and sometimes tar. The length of time the Champagne ages in the bottle, whether on lees or after disgorgement can add cedar, biscuit and toast to the mix.