Blending: a traditional and specific practise
for the production of champagne. Blending of radically different base wines
obtained from different terroirs,
varieties and why not even harvest years, helps intensify the complexity of the
champagne produced and thus guarantees regularity in the champagne characteristics
from one year to another. For a champagne blanc de blancs, the base wines
blended are obtained solely from the Chardonnay varietal. For a Blanc de Noirs,
the base wines are obtained from black grape varietals (Pinot Noir and
Meunier). For vintage champagne, blending is carried out using base wines
obtained from a single harvest year. A large majority of champagnes sold are
not declared vintage. The producer, with
his experience and expertise, is the person who guarantees the blending and
quality of the champagne.