Our Basic Guide to Different Champagne Styles
Champagne season is never too far away. Corks start popping, glasses start clinking, and suddenly you're standing in front of a wall of bottles wondering: Which Champagne should I actually buy?
Whether you're a serious Champagne drinker or simply the person who gets handed a glass at Christmas lunch, choosing a bottle can feel surprisingly complicated — especially when Champagne isn't exactly the cheapest drink on the shelf.
So let's make it simple.
This guide breaks down four of the most important Champagne styles: Vintage vs Non-Vintage (NV) and Blanc de Blancs vs Blanc de Noirs.
By the end, you'll know what those French terms mean, what to expect in the glass, and which style might suit your occasion.
What Is Vintage vs Non-Vintage Champagne?
The easiest way to understand the difference is this:
Vintage Champagne comes from grapes harvested in one specific year, while Non-Vintage Champagne is blended from wines from multiple years.
But that difference has a big impact on the style of the wine.
Vintage Champagne
Vintage Champagne is only produced when the house or producer believes the harvest has delivered grapes of sufficient quality.
Typically, it is:
- Made from grapes harvested in the year stated on the label
- Aged on the lees for a minimum of 36 months
- Often aged considerably longer before release
- More complex and developed than most NV Champagne
- Designed to have greater ageing potential
- Produced only in selected years rather than every year
One of the things that makes older Vintage Champagne so interesting is lees ageing — allowing the wine to spend extended time in contact with the yeast after its second fermentation.
This can contribute richer brioche, toast, biscuit and nutty flavours, alongside the fruit and acidity.
Our tip: If you're buying Champagne for a milestone celebration or want something with more depth and complexity, Vintage is worth exploring.
Non-Vintage Champagne
Don't let "Non-Vintage" fool you into thinking it's the lesser option.
NV Champagne is all about consistency.
Producers blend wines from different harvest years to create a recognisable house style that can be reproduced year after year.
Typically, NV Champagne:
- Uses grapes and reserve wines from multiple years
- Has a minimum lees-ageing requirement of 15 months
- Is generally fresher, fruitier and more approachable
- Usually has less developed yeast-driven complexity than older Vintage Champagne
- Is often the more accessible choice for parties and larger gatherings
In short: Vintage is about the character of a particular harvest. NV is about maintaining a consistent house style.
Vintage vs NV Champagne: Which Should You Choose?
| Style | What to Expect | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Vintage | Complex, developed, toasty, layered | Milestones, collectors, serious Champagne fans |
| Non-Vintage | Fresh, fruity, approachable, consistent | Parties, dinners, celebrations |
Simple rule: Want to impress? Go Vintage. Feeding a crowd? A good NV Champagne will absolutely do the job.
What is Blanc de Blancs vs Blanc de Noirs?
Now for two more French terms that sound intimidating but are actually pretty straightforward.
Blanc de Blancs means "white from whites."
Blanc de Noirs means "white from blacks."
And yes, they really do tell you something important about what's in the bottle.
Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Blanc de Blancs is traditionally made from white grapes, most commonly 100% Chardonnay.
The style is known for being elegant, fresh, and precise, often showing flavours such as:
- Lemon and lime
- Green apple
- Citrus zest
- White flowers
- Mineral notes
Chardonnay-based Blanc de Blancs tends to have a bright, refreshing acidity and a lighter, more refined feel.
It's a fantastic choice if you like your Champagne crisp, fresh, and energetic.
Blanc de Noirs Champagne
Blanc de Noirs means "white from blacks" because the wine is made from black grape varieties, primarily Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier.
So why is it white?
The grapes are pressed carefully, and the juice is separated from the skins before significant colour extraction occurs.
Compared with Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs generally offers:
- More body and texture
- Greater fruit weight
- Strawberry and raspberry flavours
- Fresh acidity
- A richer, more powerful character
A Blanc de Noirs made predominantly or entirely from Pinot Noir can be particularly robust and complex.
Blanc de Blancs vs Blanc de Noirs
| Style | Main Grapes | Typical Character |
|---|---|---|
| Blanc de Blancs | Chardonnay | Citrus, apple, fresh, elegant, mineral |
| Blanc de Noirs | Pinot Noir / Pinot Meunier | Red berries, fuller-bodied, fruity, structured |
Our tip: If you love crisp white wines, try Blanc de Blancs. If you prefer more body and red-fruit character, Blanc de Noirs could be your bottle.
How to Choose the Right Champagne
Still unsure? Don't overthink it.
For a casual celebration, a quality NV Champagne is an easy crowd-pleaser.
For a special occasion, look for a Vintage Champagne with extended ageing.
For something fresh, elegant and citrus-driven, try Blanc de Blancs.
For something fuller, fruitier and more powerful, reach for Blanc de Noirs.
And remember: Champagne doesn't need to be complicated. The best bottle is ultimately the one that fits your taste, your occasion, and your budget.
And if all else fails?
Grab some orange juice and make a Mimosa. Problem solved. 🥂
FAQs
Is Vintage Champagne better than Non-Vintage Champagne?
Not necessarily. Vintage Champagne is generally more complex and suited to ageing, while NV Champagne is designed to deliver a consistent house style and is often fresher and more approachable.
What is Blanc de Blancs Champagne?
Blanc de Blancs means "white from whites" and is generally made from 100% Chardonnay. It typically has a fresh, citrusy, and elegant style.
What is Blanc de Noirs Champagne?
Blanc de Noirs means "white from blacks" and is made from black grapes, primarily Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier. It tends to have more body, texture, and red-fruit character.
Which Champagne is best for a celebration?
A good Non-Vintage Champagne is an excellent all-rounder for celebrations and larger gatherings. For a milestone occasion, a quality Vintage Champagne can offer additional complexity and depth.
Which Champagne style is more full-bodied?
Blanc de Noirs generally has more body and fruit weight than Blanc de Blancs, particularly when Pinot Noir plays a significant role in the blend.
What are the main Champagne styles?
The main Champagne styles include Vintage and Non-Vintage (NV), plus Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs. Vintage Champagne comes from one harvest year and is generally more complex, while NV blends multiple years for consistency. Blanc de Blancs is usually Chardonnay-based; Blanc de Noirs uses Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier.