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Day 12 of The Falstaff wine advent calendar.

Day 12 of The Falstaff wine advent calendar.
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Home News Wine The Falstaff wine advent calendar: Day 12

The Falstaff wine advent calendar: Day 12

Wine Inspiration

It’s time to uncover Champagne’s lesser known varieties.

Gabriel Stone,
12.12.2022

Everyone knows that Champagne is made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, right? But there are actually four other varieties officially permitted but rarely used here: Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc – or Blanc Vrai as it’s known here – and Pinot Gris.

Together these underdogs may now account for just 0.3% of Champagne’s vineyard area, but they’re not without supporters. Champagne Drappier blends Blanc Vrai into its Blanc de Blancs and even produces a Blanc de Quatre Blancs, an equal mix of Arbane, Petit Meslier, Blanc Vrai and Chardonnay.

Gabriel Stone
Gabriel Stone
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