In Champagne production, the Pinot Noir grape variety is often combined with Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay or blended with only Chardonnay like Dom Perignon's cuvees. Many winegrowers like to suggest these are the more "noble" grapes. Despite being grown in countries varying from Oregon to Argentina, Pinot Noir is most often associated with France's vineyards in Burgundy. If you are interseted in visiting Burgundy please email us so we can organize visits in the Cote d'Or.
The Pinot Noir grape is distinctive for its dark purple and pine cone-shaped clusters. The words “pinot” and “noir”, which mean “pine” and “black” in French, refer to the grape’s tightly clustered bunches. Pinot Noir is also very sensitive to different production methods, which makes the grape variety highly reflective of its terroir.
Bouzy is the main centre for the production of still red wines used for Rosé Champagne. The Bouzy vineyards are located on the southern slope of the Montagne de Reims. The village is classified as a Grand Cru appellation, and covers 380 hectares mainly planted with Pinot Noir, of which 10% is dedicated to the production of still wine called Bouzy Rouge. There are 2 methods to make Rosé Champagne. The first is to blend white Champagne with still Pinot Noir AOC wines. The second method is called Saigné or "bleeding" by leaving the grape Musts to macerate for a few hours with the skin of the grapes during pressing.
Half Day Tour
▸ Visit 1 Artisanal Grand Cru vineyard visit & multi tasting
▸ Visit 2 Grand Cru vineyard single grape vine plot, cellar & press room visit
Full Day Tour
▸ Visit 3 Artisanal vineyard visit & multi tasting in Bouzy
▸ Visit 4 Multi tasting vineyard "Special Club" stop
Lunch Idea
Enjoy a sit down 2 or 3 course paired lunch at a Grand Cru Pinot Noir vineyard and a large range of Champagne cuvees.
▸ Pâté en croûte (crunchy crust)
▸ Seasonal Salad in a jar with grains, pasta, rice or potatoes.
▸ Toasted bread with a local cheese: Chaource, brie de Meaux or Langre
▸ Jar with cottage cheese, biscuit and fruits
Overnight Stays: Rilly, Ludes, Sacy, Chamery, Chigny les Roses
Grand Cru Villages: Ambonnay, Bouzy, Louvois, Mailly, Sillery, Verzenay, Verzy
Famous Brands in the Area: Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart, Taittinger, Pommery, Kru
