With nearly negligible exceptions, three varieties are permitted for use in Champagne:?Chardonnay,?Pinot Noir, and?Pinot Meunier. These can be blended together or bottled as individual varietal Champagnes, depending on the final style of wine desired. Chardonnay, the only white variety, contributes freshness, elegance, lively acidity and notes of citrus, orchard fruit and white flowers. Pinot Noir and its relative Pinot Meunier, provide the backbone to many blends, adding structure, body and supple red fruit flavors. Wines with a large proportion of Pinot Meunier will be ready to drink earlier, while Pinot Noir contributes to longevity. Whether it is white or ros?, most Champagne is made from a blend of red and white grapes?and uniquely, ros? is often produce by blending together red and white wine. A Champagne made exclusively from Chardonnay will be labeled as ?blanc de blancs,? while ones comprised of only red grapes are called ?blanc de noirs.?
