> Which grape varieties go into Champagne? Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and the forgotten varieties: the role, character and terroir of each.

*Source : https://champagne-discovery-tours.com/en/blog/cepages-champagne/*

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# The Grape Varieties of Champagne: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier

Published on April 2, 2026 · The editorial team

![The Grape Varieties of Champagne: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier](https://champagne-discovery-tours.com/images/articles/cepages-champagne.webp)

Champagne is built mainly on **three grape varieties**, joined by a handful of rare, historic varieties. Understanding their role helps you read a label and choose the style you want.

## The three main grape varieties

### Chardonnay

The only major **white** grape of Champagne, it brings **finesse, freshness and minerality**. It is the king grape of the [Côte des Blancs](https://champagne-discovery-tours.com/en/vignoble-terroirs/). A 100% Chardonnay Champagne is known as a **blanc de blancs**.

### Pinot Noir

A **black** grape with white juice, it lends **structure, body and power** to blends. It reigns over the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Bar.

### Pinot Meunier

Another black grape, softer and fruitier, it brings **roundness and generosity** and copes well with the cool climate of the Vallée de la Marne. Long kept discreet on labels, it is now gaining recognition.

## Blanc de blancs, blanc de noirs: what do they mean?

-   **Blanc de blancs**: Chardonnay only.
-   **Blanc de noirs**: black grapes only (Pinot Noir and/or Meunier), vinified without maceration to produce a white wine.

These mentions often appear on the label. You will find them in our [glossary](https://champagne-discovery-tours.com/en/glossaire/).

## The forgotten grape varieties

The regulations also allow historic varieties that are very much in the minority today: **Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc** and **Fromenteau (Pinot Gris)**. A few growers still cultivate them for confidential cuvées that celebrate Champagne’s heritage.

## Blending, a house’s signature

Most Champagnes marry the grape varieties together. It is **the art of blending** that gives each house its consistent style from one year to the next — a craft best understood by visiting a cellar. See our [tours and tastings](https://champagne-discovery-tours.com/en/visites-degustations/) and our article on [how Champagne is made](https://champagne-discovery-tours.com/en/blog/comment-est-fait-le-champagne/).