Pinot Noir's wheel of aromas

Pinot Noir is one of the three main grape varieties used in Champagne production, alongside Chardonnay and Meunier. 

Pinot Noir is the key grape variety for the production of :

• Champagnes Rosé, either by blending (adding red wine to the white wine) or by Saignée (leaving the skins in contact with the juice for a short period to extract the aromas and colour).
• Champagnes Blanc de Noirs: Champagnes made exclusively from black grape varieties, either Pinot Noir alone or in combination with Meunier.  

PINOT NOIR AROMAS DURING THE HARVEST

At harvest time, Pinot Noir in Champagne has not yet undergone the transformation by fermentation and the development of secondary or tertiary aromas associated with maturing or ageing. At this stage, we speak of primary aromas, directly linked to the fruit and varietal characteristics of the grape variety.

At the heart of these aromas, red fruit dominates. Raspberries and strawberries, with vibrant, fresh notes. Against a backdrop of floral notes, and finally, there's the earth. Pinot Noir grapes, particularly those grown in chalky soils, can have a mineral or earthy nuance.

THE INFLUENCE OF TERROIR

Pinot Noir is a complex grape variety and, when grown in Champagne, the characteristics of the terroir and ageing can greatly influence its aromatic profile. Each plot, each village and each sub-region can bring its own nuance, making this Champagne Blanc de Noirs fascinating in its diversity and expression of place. 

THE PINOT NOIR AROMA WHEEL

The aroma wheel is a tool used to identify and describe the aromas present in wine. Each grape variety, depending on its terroir of origin and ageing, can present a range of specific aromas. Here is an approach to the typical Pinot Noir aromas that can be found depending on its terroir and age in the main regions of Champagne:

1. Montagne de Reims :

This region, characterised by clay/limestone soils and a cool climate, is one of the strongholds of Pinot Noir. Villages such as Verzenay are particularly renowned for their Pinot Noirs, which tend to be structured and powerful.

• Young wines: raspberry, red cherry, mineral notes, hints of spice.
• With age: dried fruit, tobacco, leather, truffles, toasty notes.

2. Marne Valley:

The soil in this region is more varied, with clay and marl predominating. Although this region is mainly associated with Meunier, Pinot Noir is also grown here, particularly in areas with steeper slopes that benefit from better exposure to the sun. Pinot Noirs from this region can present ripe fruity notes, with a round texture on the palate.

• Young wines: red fruit (strawberry, cherry), blackberry, violet, sometimes herbaceous notes.
• With age: red fruit jam, notes of undergrowth, mushroom, prune.

3. Côte des Blancs :

As its name suggests, the Côte des Blancs, with its mainly chalky soils, is Chardonnay territory. However, there are a few plots of Pinot Noir, particularly in the areas bordering the Montagne de Reims and the Côte de Sézanne. Pinot Noirs from this region are rare and are often characterised by their finesse and minerality.

• Young wines: finesse, minerality, red berries.
• With age: buttery notes, almond, candied fruit, honey.

4. Côte des Bar :

The Côte des Bar, situated to the south of the traditional Champagne region, is a major area for Pinot Noir. In fact, this region is dominated by this grape variety. Thanks to clay-limestone and marl soils and a slightly warmer climate, Pinot Noirs from here tend to have riper, fruity aromas and a fleshy texture.

• Young wines: black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry), cherry, earthy notes.
• With age: fig, roasted notes, leather, mild spices.

Of course, these lists are not exhaustive, and each bottle of Champagne may have different nuances depending on the vintage, viticultural and winemaking practices, and the exact characteristics of its micro-terroir.

THE AROMA WHEEL

Describing the aromas and flavours present in Champagne helps us to put a name to a specific smell or flavour so that we can then recognise and identify them more easily and remember and compare the aromatic profiles of different Champagnes.

By identifying the aromatic nuances of a Champagne, we can better appreciate the complexity and richness of the wine and formulate precise food and wine pairings based on its characteristics.

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

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

Don't wait any longer and let yourself be tempted by the ultimate experience: taste, savour and let each bubble tell you a story.

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Cin cin and cheers!