Blanc de Noirs wines are typically made from which grape varieties?

• A. Chardonnay
• B. Pinot Gris
• C. Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier
• D. Pinot Blanc

Answer: (C)

Blanc de Noirs refers to a white wine made from black-skinned grapes. The usual varieties are Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier, either on their own or in a blend. The wine stays white because the grapes are pressed and kept away from extended skin contact, so the dark skins don’t impart color to the juice. Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc aren’t used for Blanc de Noirs since they are white-skinned (with Pinot Blanc being a white mutation of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris having different skin behavior). In practice, Blanc de Noirs is a white, often sparkling wine made from Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier.