Blanc de Blanc, a sparkling wine made exclusively from white grapes, is generally known for its dryness rather than sweetness. This style of wine is typically made from Chardonnay grapes, although other white grape varieties can be used as well.
When it comes to the sweetness or dryness of a sparkling wine, such as Blanc de Blanc, the amount of residual sugar left in the final product is crucial. Residual sugar refers to the natural grape sugars that remain after fermentation. In the case of dry wines, most of the sugar is converted into alcohol during fermentation, resulting in a minimal amount of residual sugar.
Fine Blanc de Blancs from Champagne and other regions around the world are often labeled as Brut, Extra Brut, or Brut Nature, indicating that they are dry in style. These terms are regulated by wine laws and provide a standardized way of communicating the sweetness level to consumers.
Brut is the most common designation for dry sparkling wines, including Blanc de Blancs. It typically has a residual sugar level of less than 12 grams per liter. Extra Brut and Brut Nature are even drier, with residual sugar levels below 6 grams per liter and 3 grams per liter, respectively. These wines are known for their crispness, acidity, and refreshing qualities, as they are not weighed down by excessive sweetness.
Blanc de Blancs sparkling wines are often prized for their elegance, finesse, and ability to showcase the characteristics of the Chardonnay grape. The cool climate regions where Chardonnay thrives, such as Champagne and Chablis, tend to produce wines with higher acidity and less perceived sweetness. This acidity helps to balance the flavors and gives the wine a lively, vibrant character.
However, it's worth noting that not all Blanc de Blancs wines are bone-dry. Some producers may choose to make off-dry or slightly sweet versions, although these are less common. These wines will typically be labeled with terms like “Sec” (meaning dry), “Demi-Sec” (meaning semi-dry), or “Doux” (meaning sweet) to indicate their sweetness level.
In my personal experience as a sommelier, I have found that Blanc de Blancs wines are generally enjoyed for their dryness, as it allows the delicate nuances of the Chardonnay grape to shine through. The crisp, refreshing nature of these wines makes them a popular choice for aperitifs or pairing with seafood and lighter dishes.
To summarize, Blanc de Blanc sparkling wines are typically dry, with the terms Brut, Extra Brut, or Brut Nature indicating their dryness level. While there may be some off-dry or slightly sweet versions available, the majority of Blanc de Blancs wines are known for their elegance, high acidity, and lack of perceived sweetness.