blanc de noirs

[BLAHN duh NWAHR; BLAHNGK duh NWAHR] The French term meaning "white wine from red grapes." This phrase is used for champagnes and other sparkling wines that are made entirely from pinot noir grapes. Occasionally the term blanc de noirs refers to still (nonsparkling) wines made from cabernet sauvignon, Pinot Noir or zinfandel. The color of blanc de noirs wines varies in hue from pale pink to apricot to salmon. See also blanc de blancs.

[blahn (blahngk) duh NWAHR] The French term used for "white wine from red grapes." In particular, the phrase blanc de noir is used with those champagnes (and other sparkling wines) that are made entirely from the pinot noir grape. In the United States, blanc de noir sparkling wines sometimes contain small amounts of chardonnay. Occasionally this phrase refers to still wines made from cabernet sauvignon Pinot Noir, or zinfandel. In the United States, however, these blush wines usually go by other names such as blanc de pinot noir cabernet blanc or white zinfandel. Blanc de noirs are produced by quickly removing the skins from the juice after the grapes have been pressed. This technique prevents the pigment in the grape's dark skin from transferring too much color to the wine. These wines may vary in hue from pale pink to apricot to salmon; seldom are they clear or "white." See also blanc de blanc; saignée.