Among sparkling wines, for example, there are a couple of French expressions that deserve to be explained because you could find them in the description of the wines or they could be pronounced by an expert. We refer to Blanc de Noirs and Blanc de Blancs.

After having explained, in a previous article, the meaning of Blanc de Noirs, we now explain the meaning of Blanc de Blancs.

What does Blanc de Blancs mean?

Let's start with the literal meaning of the French expression Blanc de Blancs, which we can simply translate as "white of whites". If you know the meaning of Blanc de Noirs, its opposite, you can imagine what this formula can refer to. In any case, we will explain it to you in the next lines.

Blanc means white, a reference to the color of the wine. So Blanc de Blancs wines are white wines. De Blancs is a reference to the color of the grapes from which white wine is made. The grapes of a Blanc de Blanc are white grapes.

➡️ Blanc de Blancs are white wines obtained from white grape varieties.

Now that we know the general meaning of Blanc de Blancs, let's discover, specifically, its characteristics and the cases in which this expression can be used.

What are Blanc de Blancs sparkling wines?

The expression Blanc de Blancs cannot be used for every type of white wine made from white grapes. The formula was coined and continues to be used only and exclusively for sparkling wines.

The definition of Blanc de Blancs is as follows:

➡️ Blanc de Blancs are sparkling wines obtained ONLY from white grape varieties.

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The production of Blanc de Blancs sparkling wines involves the exclusive use of grapes from white grape varieties. A sparkling wine that is made, even in a minimal percentage, from black grapes cannot be defined as Blanc de Blanc.

The expression was introduced by Champagne producers to underline a specific production characteristic of some of their wines. An exception to what usually happens. Most of the famous French classic method sparkling wines are obtained from a blend of white grapes, Chardonnay, and black grapes, Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier. However, there are particular cases whereby some Champagnes are produced using only Chardonnay grapes, or in any case using only white grapes. The expression Blanc de Blancs was coined to define these sparkling wines.

Given its communicative effectiveness, the formula was also extended to other classic method sparkling wines, produced in the rest of the world, obtained only from white grapes. For example, the Franciacorta Brut La Gerla, which we sell in our online wine shop, is obtained from a blend of Chardonnay, predominantly, and Pinot Bianco, both white grape varieties. For this reason, it can be considered a Blanc de Blancs.

The Inkino Trento Riserva Carlo V Mas dei Chini, on the other hand, is a classic method sparkling wine obtained from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. This wine cannot be defined as a Blanc de Blancs due to the presence of Pinot Noir.

What is the difference between Blanc de Noirs and Blanc de Blancs sparkling wines?

The main difference between Blanc de Noirs and Blanc de Blancs sparkling wines lies in the color of the grapes used for their production.

If Blanc de Blancs sparkling wines are obtained only from white grapes, Blanc de Noirs sparkling wines are obtained only from black grapes. We remind you that the two formulas do not refer in any way to the color of the wine. In fact, white sparkling wines can also be obtained from black grapes!

On an organoleptic level, Blanc de Blancs sparkling wines usually have a floral and fruity aromatic profile, with a marked minerality, while Blanc de Noirs reveal greater complexity, adding the spicy notes of Pinot Noir to the aromatic bouquet.