Grape Varieties Used in Champagne

As a general rule, the grapes used in the production of Champagne are the white Chardonnay along with the dark-skinned "red wine grapes": Pinot Meunier or Pinot Noir. These dark-skinned grapes give the wine its length and backbone.

The majority of Champagnes are made from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (e.g. 60/40%), although blanc de blanc ("white from white") Champagnes may be made from 100% Chardonnay.

However, there are a number of other grape varieties permitted in addition to the 3 major types, although their use is rare in current times. These other grape varieties include:

• Arbanne
• Petit meslier
• Pinot blanc
• Pinot de juillet
• Pinot gris (named Fromenteau in Champagne)
• Pinot rosé