Blanc de Blancs

Origin of Word: France

This describes a white wine made entirely from white grapes. If this sounds like stating the obvious, it is necessary because black grapes can be used to make white wine, as only the skins impart colour - the juice and pulp are clear. This is especially true in Champagne, where two of the three legally permitted varieties are the black grapes Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. A Blanc de Blancs describes a wine made using 100% Chardonnay, the only other legally permitted variety.