Blanc de Noir is a type of white wine that is made from red grapes. This may sound counterintuitive, as we typically associate red grapes with red wine. So, why is Blanc de Noir white?
The key lies in the winemaking process. When red grapes are harvested, they are typically crushed and the juice is separated from the skins. This juice is then fermented, which converts the sugars into alcohol. During fermentation, the grape skins are not in contact with the juice for an extended period of time, resulting in a white or pale-colored wine.
The color of a wine is primarily derived from the pigments in the grape skins. Red grapes have a high concentration of these pigments, known as anthocyanins, which give red wine its characteristic color. However, these pigments are not soluble in alcohol, but rather in water. So, when the juice is separated from the skins and fermented, the resulting wine is not exposed to the anthocyanins, resulting in a white wine.
It's important to note that while Blanc de Noir is made from red grapes, it is not the same as rosé wine. Rosé wines are typically made by allowing the grape skins to macerate with the juice for a short period of time, imparting a pink or pale red hue to the wine. Blanc de Noir, on the other hand, is made by completely excluding the grape skins from the fermentation process, resulting in a white wine.
The production of Blanc de Noir is not only influenced by the winemaking process but also by the choice of grape variety. Some red grape varieties have lighter-colored juice, which can result in a paler Blanc de Noir. Pinot Noir, for example, is a common grape used to make Blanc de Noir, as it has a relatively light-colored juice.
I have personally experienced the unique qualities of Blanc de Noir during my time as a sommelier. It is fascinating to observe the transformation of red grapes into a white wine. The delicate flavors and aromas of Blanc de Noir can range from crisp and citrusy to more complex and floral, depending on the grape variety and winemaking techniques used.
Blanc de Noir is white because the juice of red grapes is separated from the skins before fermentation, preventing the pigments in the skins from imparting color to the wine. This process, combined with the choice of grape variety, results in a white wine with its own distinct characteristics.