Jose Dhondt Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut NV

Jose Dhondt Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut NV

Blanc de Blancs is white Champagne made exclusively from white grapes, and usually Chardonnay. Those made only from one or more red wine grapes usually Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are called Blanc de Noirs. The two terms translate as “White from Whites” and “White from Blacks”.
Blanc de Blanc Champagnes tend to taste different to the most familiar non vintage cuves. Those usually include considerable proportions of black-skinned Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. That said, it is hard to identify any stylistic characters which are common to all Blanc de Blancs bottlings.

This is true when one tastes those few wines made from less common white grape varieties (see below). Chardonnay does tend to taste more citrussy than wines with red grape components. They tend to be (or appear to be) crisper and drier and more likely to be considered as an aperitif or partner to seafood. Still, there is also considerable variation between wines made only from Chardonnay.

Critical Acclaim

92 Wine Advocate

The NV Brut Blanc de Blancs flows with the essence of lemon, white flowers, almonds and pears. It is a bright, focused wine backed up with considerable plushness and generosity in its fruit. The Blanc de Blancs should drink beautifully for a number of years.

92 Wine Enthusiast

Pure Chardonnay from the Grand Cru village of Oger, this wine is creamy and ripe. It also has a chalky mineral mouthfeel that keeps it crisp and tight. With its grapefruit and white stone fruit flavors, it’s both fruity and textured. Let it age a few months and drink from 2018.

91 Wine Spectator

Focused and finely balanced, with firm acidity and a soft and creamy mousse married to subtle flavors of baked apple, crushed almond, pastry cream and fleur de sel. Offers a pretty, ripe finish. Disgorged February 2015. Drink now through 2019.

91 Vinous

White flowers, crushed rocks, and mint and green pears jump from the glass as the Brut Blanc de Blancs show off its vibrant, crystalline personality. All the elements fall into place in a bright, focused Blanc de Blancs long on energy and vibrancy. There is a lot to like in this chiseled Blanc de Blancs.