Pinot Noir is planted over the largest vineyard area among Champagne’s three principal grapes.
Champagne’s three dominant varieties are Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. Pinot Noir is a black grape, and it contributes body, structure, and red-fruit character to blends. It is particularly important in the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Bar.
Chardonnay, the region’s principal white grape, is strongly associated with the Côte des Blancs and often brings freshness, floral notes, and longevity. Pinot Meunier tends to provide fruitiness and helps many blends mature earlier.
The proportions of these varieties can vary by house, village, vineyard, and style. A Champagne labelled blanc de blancs is made only from white grapes, usually Chardonnay, whereas blanc de noirs is made from black grapes. The largest planted area does not mean Pinot Noir appears in every bottle or dominates every blend.