# Blanc de Noirs (NV)

- **Producer:** Palmer & Co
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
- **Region:** Champagne, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €68
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–9 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** grapefruit, apricot, blackcurrant, raspberry, gooseberry, boysenberry, peach, strawberry, patisserie, roasted hazelnut, brioche, pralines, vanilla, nutmeg, tarte tatin, forest floor, dried raspberries

## About this wine

Champagne Palmer & Co Blanc de Noirs is a non-vintage sparkling wine from the Champagne AOC, crafted from a blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. The grapes are primarily sourced from Grand and Premier Cru vineyards located in the Montagne de Reims, Côte des Bar, and Vallée de la Marne, with vineyards often featuring north-facing aspects. The cooperative, founded in 1947 by seven winegrowers, now manages 450 hectares of vineyards and is known for its aromatic complexity and refinement. A distinctive aspect of their winemaking is the adaptation of a Solera system for reserve wines, a technique borrowed from the Sherry region.

## Interesting facts

- Made entirely from black grapes (Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier).
- Uses a Solera system for reserve wines, adapted from Jerez.
- Ferments larger formats (above Jeroboam) in the final bottle.
- Boasts over 5 years of lees aging for added complexity.

## Food pairing

The wine's structure and subtle fruit notes complement the richness of seafood and creamy sauces. Its freshness cuts through fatty elements, while the nutty undertones harmonize with roasted or browned flavors.

## Wine making process

Palmer & Co Blanc de Noirs is produced using a blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, primarily sourced from Grand and Premier Cru vineyards. The winemaking process involves creating a base wine, which is then aged for an extended period, typically around five years, on its lees in chalk cellars. A significant portion of reserve wines, from older vintages, are incorporated into the blend, utilizing a Solera system adapted from Jerez. Larger format bottles undergo their secondary fermentation in the bottle. The house also holds certifications for sustainable viticulture, including Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) and Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne (VDC).