Blanc de Noir

Blanc de Noir Grape variety: white wine made from dark grapes

The term Blanc de Noir comes from French and literally means ‘white from black’. It refers to a white wine that is made from dark, usually red grapes. The best-known representative of this grape variety is Pinot Noir, also known as Spätburgunder. Although the grapes have a dark skin, the juice inside remains colourless – and it is precisely this fact that is exploited in the production of Blanc de Noir.

Unlike rosé, where the must remains in contact with the colour-giving grape skins for a short time, the grapes for Blanc de Noir are pressed immediately and very gently. This produces a light, finely structured wine that combines the finesse of a white wine with the aromatic depth of red varieties. The skin of the grape plays a decisive role here, as it influences the colour while the flesh remains light.

Introduction to white wine

White wine is one of the most popular types of wine worldwide and is traditionally made from white grapes. But there is one fascinating exception: Blanc de Noir. This special white wine is made from dark, mostly red grapes such as Pinot Noir. The term Blanc de Noir literally means ‘white from black’ and aptly describes how this wine is made.

In the production of Blanc de Noir, the juice of the red grapes is separated from the skins immediately after harvesting. As the juice is colourless, a white wine is produced even though the grapes have a dark skin. This process prevents colouring agents from the skins from transferring to the juice, allowing a wine with a unique character and aroma to be produced. Pinot Noir is particularly often used for the production of Blanc de Noir, a grape variety that also plays an important role in Champagne production.

Blanc de Noir: production with finesse

The production of a Blanc de Noir requires particularly precise and rapid processing of the grapes immediately after harvesting. This is the only way to prevent colouring agents from the skins from transferring into the juice. The grapes are usually processed at low temperatures to preserve freshness and aromas.

Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier are the main varieties used – two varieties that are also known from champagne production. The pure juice is fermented without maceration, with cool fermentation helping to preserve the fruit sweetness and develop the typical clear colour and very elegant structure. Some winemakers opt for ageing in stainless steel tanks, while others give the wine additional depth through brief maturation in wood.

Blanc de Noirs: a term with many facets

While ‘Blanc de Noir’ is mostly used for still white wines, the term ‘Blanc de Noirs’ is more common in sparkling wines, especially in Champagne. A Blanc de Noirs champagne is made exclusively from red grapes and stands out from a classic Blanc de Blancs (made from white varieties) thanks to its intensity, structure and aromatic density. A cuvée of different grape varieties such as Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier is often used in production to achieve a harmonious flavour profile.

But Blanc de Noir wines are also becoming increasingly important outside France. In Germany, Switzerland and Austria, many wineries are successfully experimenting with this style.

Character, body and aroma

A well-made Blanc de Noir is a little sensory surprise: the nose reveals notes of strawberries, red currants and sometimes stone fruit or citrus. On the palate, the wines are usually medium-bodied, with lively, well-integrated acidity and a pleasantly dry, often long finish.

Depending on the vinification, they can be floral, fruity or spicy – but always with that subtle tension created by the interplay between red grape varieties and white vinification. The balance and taste of these wines are particularly appealing, as they offer fruity aromas without being unpleasant due to excessive tannins. The colour ranges from pale gold to light straw yellow – always a visual promise of freshness and lightness.

Advantages of Blanc de Noirs

Blanc de Noir offers numerous advantages that set it apart from other white wines. One of the most outstanding advantages is its unique aroma, which comes from the use of red grapes. These wines are often characterised by spicy notes and a fuller body, which makes them particularly interesting.

Another advantage of Blanc de Noir is its versatility. It goes well with a wide variety of dishes, from seafood to cheese. Its moderate acidity and balanced flavour make it an ideal accompaniment to many foods.

For winemakers, producing a Blanc de Noir is a particular challenge, as it requires precise and rapid processing of the grapes. This challenge makes Blanc de Noir a wine that requires both craftsmanship and artistic skill.

With its unique combination of freshness, complexity and versatility, Blanc de Noir is a wine that delights connoisseurs and newcomers alike.

Blanc de Noir at the table: culinary versatility

Blanc de Noir wines are considered very versatile accompaniments to food. Their delicate fruitiness makes them ideal partners for a wide range of dishes:

• Fish & seafood: Whether fried pike-perch, prawns or a classic bouillabaisse – the freshness of the wine emphasises the flavours without overpowering them.
• Asian cuisine: The delicate fruit and clear structure harmonise well with soy sauce, ginger or chilli – for example with Thai curry or fried vegetables with peanuts.
• Poultry dishes: Chicken with herbs, roast duck breast or a fruity guinea fowl ragout are stylishly complemented by Blanc de Noir.
• Cheese: Soft cheeses such as Camembert or Taleggio benefit from the fruitiness and mild acidity – an elegant alternative to classic white wine.

The wine can be served as an aperitif in summer or with a light meal in winter.

Blanc de in Switzerland: tradition meets modernity

Blanc de Noir wines are also gaining attention in Switzerland. In the Valais and the Bündner Herrschaft regions in particular, Pinot Noir grapes are used to produce fine wines with a clear expression and a regional character. The Swiss interpretations impress with their precision, minerality and very natural aromas.

Winegrowers take advantage of the climatic benefits of their regions and combine modern cellar technology with traditional viticulture – often with an organic or sustainable focus. It is important to bring the red grapes to the cellar quickly and undamaged to ensure the optimal quality of the wine.

Vintage, drinking maturity and storage

Blanc de Noir wines unfold their charm particularly when young. The fruit-driven style benefits from freshness and liveliness, which is why most wines should be drunk within two to three years after harvest.

The ideal drinking temperature is between 8 and 10 degrees. The wine remains at the ideal temperature in well-insulated bottle coolers or when stored briefly in the refrigerator. Proper storage in the bottle is crucial to preserving the quality and special characteristics of the wine. Some Blanc de Noir wines with wood ageing or high extract content also show exciting developments after three to five years.

When buying: what to look for?

When buying a Blanc de Noir, it is worth looking for the following characteristics:

• Grape variety: mostly Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier. Both bring elegance and fruitiness.
• Maturation: Stainless steel tanks stand for freshness, wood for structure.
• Vintage: The younger, the fresher – older vintages are suitable for curious palates if well stored.
• Label: Look for indications such as ‘Blanc de Noir’ or ‘White wine from red grapes’.

The product description usually also includes information about the region, alcohol content, ageing method and drinking recommendations.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Blanc de Noir

What is a Blanc de Noir wine?

A white wine made from red wine grapes such as Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier – by immediate pressing without contact with the skins.

What is the difference between this and rosé wine?

With rosé, the must remains in contact with the skins for a short time, which gives it its colour. With Blanc de Noir, the juice is extracted immediately, resulting in an almost white wine. It is a common question whether Blanc de Noirs are incorrectly classified as rosé wines, as both wines are made from red grapes.

What foods go particularly well with Blanc de Noir?

Fish, seafood, Asian dishes, poultry and cheese are excellent accompaniments. A classic example is the combination of Champagne Cuvée, which uses the dark grape varieties Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir, with sushi or oysters. These wines are very versatile and also popular as aperitif wines.

How long can Blanc de Noir be stored?

Most wines in this category should be enjoyed young – ideally within two years. Wines aged in wood also keep longer. At international wine competitions such as the ‘Mondial des Pinots’, different vintages are regularly awarded prizes, underlining the quality and prestige of these wines.

Is Blanc de Noir a white wine or a rosé?

It is officially classified as a white wine, even though it is made from red grapes. The colour is usually very pale, sometimes with a slight golden tinge. The term ‘Blanc de Noir’ translates into English as ‘white from black’, which refers to the special method of winemaking that is of interest to German wine connoisseurs.