Pink Chardonnay joins Champagne's list of authorised grape varieties

For those of you that think there are only seven authorised grape varieties in Champagne, think again. Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay, the three most widely planted varieties, plus Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris (also known as Blanc Vrai and Fromenteau, respectively in Champagne) are now officially joined by an eighth approved cépage that can be planted in the shape of Pink Chardonnay, a natural mutation of Chardonnay Blanc.

Writing on her website Sophie Claeys describes this move as “a small heritage revolution in the Champagne vineyards”. Discovered at the beginning of the 20th century and largely forgotten since, Claeys sees this historic recognition as “symbolising the industry’s desire to preserve its heritage while preparing for the future”.

She notes Pink Chardonnay owes its survival to the vigilance and passion of Rémi Couvreur-Périn, who was a leading figure in regional ampelography, and observed its mutation in his vineyard as early as 1900, choosing to preserve it in his personal collection. His work, published in 1926 in Le Vigneron Champenois, constitutes the first written testimony of its existence in the Champagne vineyard.

Click HERE to read the full article.