RARE GRAPE VARIETIES

Champagne is traditionally produced from the three well-known grape varieties Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. However, four rare and almost forgotten historic varieties—Pinot Gris (Fromenteau), Petit Meslier, Arbanne, and Pinot Blanc—account for less than 1% of the total Champagne production today. Considered a living part of the region's viticultural heritage, they are currently enjoying a revival among a small number of quality-focused grower-producers.

What makes these varieties so special is their ability to bring distinctive aromas and textures to Champagne that cannot easily be achieved with the three principal grape varieties alone.

Pinot Gris (Fromenteau)

Historically, one of the most important grape varieties in Champagne, Fromenteau is not the same as the Pinot Gris grown in Alsace, but rather an ancient member of the Pinot family. It produces rich, full-bodied wines with aromas of ripe yellow fruit, honey, spice, and occasionally subtle smoky notes, adding depth, structure, and complexity to a blend.

Petit Meslier

Petit Meslier is a very old white grape variety renowned for its naturally high acidity. It is attracting renewed interest in the face of climate change, as it retains remarkable freshness even in warmer vintages. Typical aromas include green apple, citrus fruits, lime, delicate floral notes, and fresh herbs, contributing exceptional vibrancy, tension, and ageing potential.

Arbanne

One of France's rarest grape varieties, Arbanne is notoriously difficult to cultivate due to its low yields and sensitivity to disease. It produces refined, elegant wines with aromas of white flowers, lime blossom, pear, chamomile, and occasionally exotic fruit. Arbanne contributes finesse, elegance, and remarkable aromatic complexity.

Pinot Blanc

Once far more widely planted in Champagne, Pinot Blanc produces soft, harmonious wines with moderate acidity. Its typical flavours include apple, pear, white flowers, and almonds. In blends, it brings roundness, creaminess, and approachable fruit character.

The Potential of These Rare Varieties

• Preserving Champagne's historic viticultural heritage.

• Promoting greater biodiversity in the vineyards.

• Enhancing aromatic diversity and individuality.

• Helping producers adapt to climate change, particularly through the naturally high acidity of Petit Meslier.

• Creating distinctive single-vineyard and prestige cuvées that stand apart from more traditional Champagnes.

Champagnes Made with Historic Grape Varieties Are Often

• More complex and layered.

• Aromatically distinctive.

• Fresher and more vibrant.

• Exceptionally age-worthy.

These varieties are rarely vinified on their own. Instead, they are generally used in small proportions within a blend, where even 5–20% can significantly influence the character and personality of a Champagne.

Among the best-known producers working with these historic grape varieties are Champagne Laherte Frères, Champagne Tarlant, Champagne Drappier, and Champagne Olivier Horiot. Laherte Frères is widely regarded as one of the pioneers in reviving these forgotten grapes and is notable for incorporating all seven grape varieties authorised in Champagne into several of its cuvées.

For lovers of grower Champagne, these rare grape varieties are particularly fascinating because they express the authentic heritage of Champagne while producing wines that deliberately stand apart from today's more conventional blends.