Chardonnay's wheel of aromas

THE CHARDONNAY

Chardonnay is one of the main grape varieties used in Champagne production, the other two being Pinot Noir and Meunier.

It is the only white grape variety of these three, while the other two are black grape varieties.

Champagne made only from Chardonnay is called "Blanc de Blancs."

THE AROMAS OF CHARDONNAY DURING THE HARVEST

During harvest, when we taste a ripe berry of Chardonnay, we can already perceive some notes that evoke this grape variety, such as green apple, pear, lemon, or sometimes even its more mineral or floral nuances. Ripe grapes already carry within them the precursors of the aromas that will later be characteristic of Chardonnay.

Of course, it will then be through the process of fermentation and aging on the lees that the full aromatic potential of Chardonnay will be revealed.

These aromas will only develop with time.

THE INFLUENCE OF TERROIR

Champagne is a complex viticultural region composed of several distinct terroirs. These terroirs influence the character and aromas of the Chardonnay grape variety.

Chardonnay in Champagne is renowned for its ability to reflect the nuances of its terroir. Each sub-region of Champagne brings a specific aromatic palette to Chardonnay, giving it a different and complex dimension.

THE AROMA WHEEL OF CHAMPAGNES BLANC DE BLANCS 

The aroma wheel helps us identify and describe the different aromas that can be found in wine.

Here is an approach to the typical aromas of Chardonnay and Blanc de Blancs Champagnes that can be found, depending on terroir and aging, in some of the main regions of Champagne:

• Côte des Blancs:

Located south of Épernay, this is the cradle of Chardonnay in Champagne. Fresh, mineral aromas are the signature of this region. Reflecting the influence of limestone soils on Chardonnay, they give us Blanc de Blancs Champagnes of remarkable purity and precision.

- Young wines: lemon, green apple, white flowers, almond, pronounced minerality (chalk, flint).

- With aging: buttery notes, brioche, nuts, dried fruit, honey, mushrooms.

• Montagne de Reims:

Although this region is most famous for Pinot Noir, there are plots of Chardonnay, especially on the northern slopes, and it gives us Blanc de Blancs Champagnes of remarkable tension and nervousness.

- Young wines: citrus (including grapefruit), peach, floral notes, slight minerality.

- With aging: toast, brioche, honey, nuts, creamy notes 

• Vallée de la Marne:

This region is best known for Meunier, but increasingly there are very interesting plots of Chardonnay. Its Blanc de Blancs Champagnes tend to be generous, with a distinctive roundness.

- Young wines: fresh fruit (apple, pear, lemon), floral (acacia) and mineral (chalk).

- With aging: stewed fruit (cooked apple, caramelized pear), pastry (toasted brioche), oxidative (honey) and underbrush.

• Côte des Bar:

Located in the south of the Champagne region, this is a fast-rising area with predominantly clay soils. This region gives us Blanc de Blancs Champagnes with a richer structure.

- Young wines: citrus (lemon, grapefruit), white-fleshed fruit (peach) and floral touches.

- With aging: dried fruit (almond), toasted notes, mineral notes (wet earth) and hints of underbrush.

Of course, the above aromas are generic and may vary depending on the Vigneron, Millésime and viticultural and oenological practices.

WHAT WE NEED IT FOR

1. The ability to recognize these nuances of terroir enhances our understanding and appreciation of wine. It enables us to discern its quality, the precision of its winemaking and its aging potential.
2. It also helps us formulate precise food-wine pairings based on its characteristics.
3. Finally, it educates our palate to recognize and appreciate the different expressions of Chardonnay, taking it beyond mere tasting to a true sensory and cultural experience.

If this aromatic adventure has inspired you to delve into the world of Champagne, discover our selection.

Each bottle is the fruit of a passionate quest for perfection, in which the aromas play their part to perfection, combining tradition and innovation.

Wait no longer and be tempted by the ultimate experience: taste, savor and let each bubble tell you a story.

Click here to discover and purchase our Champagnes.

Cheers et à votre santé!