Winemaker Notes
A vibrant gold sparkles with hints of moss. A mingling of complex aromas create a lasting impression. As Blanc de Noirs opens up, subtle hints of blood orange and cherry emerge, for a unique sensory bouquet. The richness of candied fruit aromas bloom on the palate, delivering lasting elegance and finesse, with mirabelle plums as the standout flavor.
*The label and name for Canard-Duchêne's Blanc de Noirs is in the process of changing. You may receive either of these two labels featured above. Specific labels cannot be requested.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
A glinting darker yellow colour, this has an appealing nose that's golden and sunny, full of ripe Mirabelle plums, toasted nuts, cranberry, cherry stone and marzipan, with another layer of fresh walnuts, caramel and butterscotch as the mousse fades. The palate is round and weighty, textured, with a grating of orange zest. I like its flamboyant richness. Made up of 50% reserve wines, which includes between 10%-20% from a perpetual reserve of the house's best Pinot Noir started in 2012 and with 7g/L dosage. The grapes come from a selection of terroirs, notably Ludes, Mailly and Ambonnay in the Montagne de Reims, Aÿ in the Marne Valley, and Fontette and Les Ricey in the Aube. At the end of 2024 Canard-Duchêne launched its Iconic collection, a rebranding of the previous Charles VII collection, which includes this Blanc de Noirs, a Blanc de Blancs, a Rosé de Saignée and the Léonie Brut.
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Wine Enthusiast
With Pinot Noir to the fore, this Champagne, named after the King of France who defeated the English to end the Hundred Years War, has richness and a light touch of tannin. The dosage offers a warm, ripe aftertaste.
At Canard-Duchêne, they believe in collective strength, in the alchemy that brings about the creation of something greater.
This story began in 1868 when two avant-garde souls, Léonie Duchêne, a winegrower, and Victor Canard, a barrel maker, combined their know-how and brought their names together to create Canard-Duchêne Champagne, revealing the greatness of Pinot Noir, the signature grape variety of their Montagne de Reims terroir. Right from the inception, they have established roots in Ludes, certain that nature is a rich resource and source of inspiration with which we maintain a continual, respectful conversation.
As with their Champagnes, Canard-Duchene seeks balance in their connections with others and with nature for the harmony that results. As close partners for any occasion, they are committed to being a catalyst for genuine moments of joy.
This story is also yours. Together, from one generation to the next, Canard-Duchene celebrates every moment, in the certainty they will be etched in our memories to shape lasting connections.
Canard-Duchêne, crafting connections since 1868.
A term typically reserved for Champagne and Sparkling Wines, non-vintage or simply “NV” on a label indicates a blend of finished wines from different vintages (years of harvest). To make non-vintage Champagne, typically the current year’s harvest (in other words, the current vintage) forms the base of the blend. Finished wines from previous years, called “vins de reserve” are blended in at approximately 10-50% of the total volume in order to achieve the flavor, complexity, body and acidity for the desired house style. A tiny proportion of Champagnes are made from a single vintage.
There are also some very large production still wines that may not claim one particular vintage. This would be at the discretion of the winemaker’s goals for character of the final wine.
Associated with luxury, celebration, and romance, the region, Champagne, is home to the world’s most prized sparkling wine. In order to bear the label, ‘Champagne’, a sparkling wine must originate from this northeastern region of France—called Champagne—and adhere to strict quality standards. Made up of the three towns Reims, Épernay, and Aÿ, it was here that the traditional method of sparkling wine production was both invented and perfected, birthing a winemaking technique as well as a flavor profile that is now emulated worldwide.
Well-drained, limestone and chalky soil defines much of the region, which lend a mineral component to its wines. Champagne’s cold, continental climate promotes ample acidity in its grapes but weather differences from year to year can create significant variation between vintages. While vintage Champagnes are produced in exceptional years, non-vintage cuvées are produced annually from a blend of several years in order to produce Champagnes that maintain a consistent house style.
With nearly negligible exceptions, . These can be blended together or bottled as individual varietal Champagnes, depending on the final style of wine desired. Chardonnay, the only white variety, contributes freshness, elegance, lively acidity and notes of citrus, orchard fruit and white flowers. Pinot Noir and its relative Pinot Meunier, provide the backbone to many blends, adding structure, body and supple red fruit flavors. Wines with a large proportion of Pinot Meunier will be ready to drink earlier, while Pinot Noir contributes to longevity. Whether it is white or rosé, most Champagne is made from a blend of red and white grapes—and uniquely, rosé is often produce by blending together red and white wine. A Champagne made exclusively from Chardonnay will be labeled as ‘blanc de blancs,’ while ones comprised of only red grapes are called ‘blanc de noirs.’