Seven of the finest
After the Phylloxera pest had destroyed most of Europe's vineyards by the end of the 19th Century only 7 of the previously existing grape varieties were replanted in Champagne.
2 black varieties, 4 white varieties and 1 grey grape variety were selected because of the quality of their fruit, resilience to disease, and adaptability to the environment. The 3 main grape varieties represent 99.7% of all vines planted in Champagne and 70% of them produce black grapes.
The 3 main grape varieties are:
| Pinot Noir | (black) | 38.3% of all vines planted in Champagne |
| Meunier | (black) | 31.9% |
| Chardonnay | (white) | 29.5% |
The 4 remaining varieties, which are collectively known as the cépages oubliés (forgotten varieties), account for just 0.3% of the vines in Champagne and total little more than 100 hectares of vineyards.
The cépages oubliés are:
| Arbane | (white) |
| Petit Meslier | (white) |
| Pinot Blanc | (white) |
| Pinot Gris | (grey) |
Today, most vines are grafted onto American rootstocks that are typically more resilient to disease. The most common variety used in Champagne is the 41B. Vines that have not been grafted onto rootstocks are known as franc de pied.
- Colour: White.
- Bunches: Very small.
- Grapes:Very small with a round or slightly elliptical shape.
- Leaves: Small with 5 or 7 lobes, U shaped open petiolar sinus and smooth leaf blades.
- Maturity: Late.
- Yield: Low.
- Characteristics: Originating from the department of Aube, it is a vigorous plant that buds early and matures late. Potential sugar levels are high but good acidity is maintained. Potentially aromatic.
To read or download the UMT Géno-Vigne® grape variety fact sheet (via the Pl@ntGrape online catalogue) simply click here...
- Colour: White.
- Bunches: Small.
- Grapes: Small and round in shape.
- Leaves: Full or with 5 lobes, slightly open petiolar sinus and short teeth on the leaf blade.
- Maturity: Relatively early.
- Yield: Good.
- Characteristics: Originates from the mutation of Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc. It adapts well to limestone or marl subsoils and produces quality grapes that are rich in sugar while maintaining a high acidity level. Its wines tend to be well balanced and age to produce intense and complex tones.
To read or download the UMT Géno-Vigne® grape variety fact sheet (via the Pl@ntGrape online catalogue) simply click here...
- Colour: Black.
- Bunches: Small.
- Grapes:Very small with a round or slightly elliptical shape.
- Leaves: 5 lobed with a slightly open petiolar sinus, deep lateral sinuses and a moderate coat of flat lying hair on the underside.
- Maturity: Relatively early.
- Yield: Good.
- Characteristics: Originates from the mutation of Pinot Noir and adapts well to limestone subsoils. Produces grapes with moderate acidity levels and fruity wines that evolve rapidly.
To read or download the UMT Géno-Vigne® grape variety fact sheet (via the Pl@ntGrape online catalogue) simply click here...
- Colour: White.
- Bunches: Small.
- Grapes: Small and round in shape.
- Leaves: Small, 5 lobed with a slightly open petiolar sinus and U shaped open lateral sinuses, short teeth on the leaf blade.
- Maturity: Relatively late.
- Yield: Low.
- Characteristics: Originates from the mutation of Gouais and Savagnin. Produces good quality grapes with good sugar levels, but low in juice. Potentially aromatic.
To read or download the UMT Géno-Vigne® grape variety fact sheet (via the Pl@ntGrape online catalogue) simply click here...
- Colour: White.
- Bunches: Small to medium
- Grapes: Small and round in shape.
- Leaves: Dark green, full or with 3 or 5 lobes a closed or slightly open petiolar sinus and short teeth and jagged leaf blade.
- Maturity: Relatively early.
- Yield: Abundant.
- Characteristics: Originates from the mutation of Pinot Noir, vigorous, but delicate and matures quickly with a high sugar and low acidity level. Colour tends towards a greenish yellow at maturity.
To read or download the UMT Géno-Vigne® grape variety fact sheet (via the Pl@ntGrape online catalogue) simply click here...
- Colour: Grey
- Bunches: Very small to small
- Grapes: Small and round in shape.
- Leaves: Dark green, full or with 3 or 5 lobes a closed or slightly open petiolar sinus and short teeth and jagged leaf blade.
- Maturity: Relatively early.
- Yield: Moderate
- Characteristics: Originates from the mutation of Pinot Noir, with characteristics similar to Pinot Blanc with a high sugar and low acidity level.
To read or download the UMT Géno-Vigne® grape variety fact sheet (via the Pl@ntGrape online catalogue) simply click here...
- Colour: Black.
- Bunches: Very small to medium
- Grapes: Small, round or slightly elliptical in shape.
- Leaves: Dark green, full or with 3 or 5 lobes a closed or slightly open petiolar sinus and short teeth and jagged leaf blade.
- Maturity: Relatively early.
- Yield: Regular
- Characteristics: Originates from Burgundy, suits clay-limestone terroirs and matures quickly. Expresses itself best when growth is not too vigorous and yields are limited. Sugar accumulation is high and acidity is moderate.
To read or download the UMT Géno-Vigne® grape variety fact sheet (via the Pl@ntGrape online catalogue) simply click here...
Source for grape descriptions: « Pl@ntGrape, the catalogue of vines grown in France, © UMT Géno-Vigne®, INRA – IFV – Montpellier SupAgro 2009-2011 »
