Which statement best describes Blanc de Noirs?

Which statement best describes Blanc de Noirs?

• A. A white wine produced from white grapes only.
• B. A rosé produced by blending red and white wine.
• C. A white wine made from black grapes, commonly used for sparkling wine, possibly from Pinot Noir or Meunier, often with more tannin and a robust aroma. On the palate, it is likely to be powerful and fruity. Blanc de Noirs champagne is naturally lower in acid than Blanc de Blancs champagne because of the nature of the grapes involved.
• D. A red wine produced from red grapes.

Answer: (C)

Blanc de Noirs refers to a white wine produced from black grapes. In Champagne that means using red-skinned grapes such as Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier and pressing in a way that keeps the juice white, so the wine remains pale or white despite the grape skins being dark. This style often yields more tannin and a richer, more robust aroma, leading to a palate that can feel powerful and fruity. The idea that Blanc de Noirs champagne is naturally lower in acid than Blanc de Blancs isn’t a reliable rule, since acidity depends on the grape variety and winemaking; Blanc de Blancs (made from Chardonnay) can be notably high in acidity. So the best description is the one that identifies Blanc de Noirs as white wine from black grapes, commonly Pinot Noir or Meunier, with more tannin and a strong, fruity character.

Blanc de Noirs refers to a white wine produced from black grapes. In Champagne that means using red-skinned grapes such as Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier and pressing in a way that keeps the juice white, so the wine remains pale or white despite the grape skins being dark. This style often yields more tannin and a richer, more robust aroma, leading to a palate that can feel powerful and fruity. The idea that Blanc de Noirs champagne is naturally lower in acid than Blanc de Blancs isn’t a reliable rule, since acidity depends on the grape variety and winemaking; Blanc de Blancs (made from Chardonnay) can be notably high in acidity. So the best description is the one that identifies Blanc de Noirs as white wine from black grapes, commonly Pinot Noir or Meunier, with more tannin and a strong, fruity character.