Blanc de Noir

"White from black" - this is the literal translation of "Blanc de Noir" and stands for a white wine made from dark blue to black grapes.

Facts

  • 100 %

    red grapes

  • 2021

    was "Blanc de Noir" redefined in terms of wine law

As the name suggests, this form of winemaking has its origins in France, where the red grapes of Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) and Pinot Meunier (Schwarzriesling) have always been processed into white wines as the basis for champagne.

This is possible because red berries generally have light flesh. The red pigment, the so-called anthocyanins, are mainly present in the berry skins. If the juice from red grapes is to remain white, no colourants from the skins may pass into the must. It is therefore important that the red grapes, which are as healthy as possible, are only pressed gently. The light colored must obtained is then fermented to a white wine. A typical Blanc de Noir has a light color and can sometimes have hints of yellow-gold.

If the cellar master leaves the squeezed red berries in the pressed juice for a little longer - the experts then speak of a longer "maceration time" – this is when a little more color passes from the skins into the must and a rosé develops.

In terms of wine law

After the 10th law amending the Wine Act came into force in January 2021, according to the new Wine Ordinance the designation "Blanc de Noir" or "Blanc de Noirs" may only be used for domestic wine, sparkling wine, quality sparkling wine or semi-sparkling wine if it is a product with a protected designation of origin (PDO) is made from fresh red wine grapes like a white wine and has the typical color of white wine.

Why Blanc de Noir?

The white wines obtained from the red grapes are characterized by their distinctive fruit aromas, pleasant freshness and moderate acidity. They combine the full flavor of a red wine with the fruitiness of a white wine and thus display the characteristics of both types. Blanc de Noirs are excellent food companions that go well with a wide range of dishes.

Flexibility and positive side effects

For winemakers who mainly cultivate red grape varieties, the production of Blanc de Noirs is also an opportunity to react flexibly to the increasing demand for white wine. On the other hand, there is a positive side effect for the production of red wine: if the light-colored must for a Blanc de Noir is removed before the maceration, the ratio of the color and tannin-containing skins to the remaining pressed juice in the mash changes. As a result, winemakers and wine lovers can enjoy more complex and color-intensive red wines.

How is Blanc de Noir defined under wine law in Germany?

According to the Wine Law, the name "Blanc de Noir" or "Blanc de Noirs" may only be used if it is a product with a protected designation of origin (PDO), pressed from fresh red grapes like a white wine and with the color typical of white wine.

More recipe ideas

the "Frankfurt Green Sauce" Quiche with herbs

the "Frankfurt Green Sauce"

  • 200 Gramm Mehl
  • 100 Gramm Butter
  • je 1 Bund Kräuter für Frankfurter Grüne Sauce (Petersilie, Kresse, Kerbel, Borretsch, Sauerampfer, Schnittlauch, Pimpernelle)
  • 100 - 125 Gramm Schwarzwälder Schinken
  • 7 ganze Eier
  • 125 ml Sahne
  • 100 Gramm Frischkäse
  • 1 EL Zitronensaft
  • nach Geschmack Salz & Pfeffer

Knead the flour and butter with 4 tbsp water and a teaspoon of salt to form a smooth dough. Line a mould with it and leave to cool for 30 minutes.</p

 

<p>Hard boil 4 eggs. Wash, drain and finely chop the herbs from the Frankfurt green sauce. Cut the ham into wafer-thin slices and spread on the pastry base. Chop the hard-boiled eggs into small

and spread over the top. Mix the 3 eggs, cream and fresh cheese and season with 1 tbsp lemon juice, salt and pepper, then fold in the herbs. Spread the mixture over the pastry base.

 

Bake at 180 °C (gas mark 4) on the middle shelf of the oven for about 30 minutes.

  • Riesling (trocken)

with pear wedges Chicken breast strips

with pear wedges

  • 500 Gramm Hähnchenbrustfilet
  • 2 reife Birnen
  • 200 ml Birnensaft
  • 100 ml Sahne
  • 1 ganze Zwiebel
  • 4 EL Olivenöl
  • nach Belieben Salz & Pfeffer

Cut the chicken breast fillet into strips. Peel the onion and cut into cubes. Heat the olive oil in a pan and fry the meat in it. Add the diced onion and season with salt and freshly ground pepper.

 

Wash and peel the pears, remove the skin, cut into wedges and sauté in the pan. Deglaze with the pear juice and allow to reduce slightly.

<p

 

<p>Finally, add the cream and season to taste.

  • Müller-Thurgau (halbtrocken & feinherb)
  • Kerner (halbtrocken & feinherb)

a Christmassy dessert Plum roaster with cinnamon ice cream

a Christmassy dessert

  • 1 kg Zwetschgen (frisch oder TK)
  • 100 Gramm Zucker
  • 0.5 TL gemahlener Zimt
  • Eine Prise Nelkenpulver
  • 50 ml Pflaumenschnaps
  • 50 Gramm dunkler Rohrzucker
  • 2 EL alter Balsamicoessig
  • 200 Gramm Zucker
  • 4 Eigelb
  • 500 ml Sahne

Plum rings:

Wash, deseed and quarter the plums. Spread the sugar evenly in a non-stick pan and melt slowly over a medium heat. Increase the temperature and immediately add the fruit, schnapps and spices. Stir until the mixture caramelises.

Stir in the muscovado sugar and balsamic vinegar, spread onto a cold plate after approx. 3 minutes.

<p

 

<p>Cinnamon ice cream:

Combine the sugar and egg yolks and stir the two ingredients over a bain-marie until frothy.

Whip the cream, then carefully mix both mixtures and add three teaspoons of cinnamon. Carefully mix the cinnamon into the mixture again.

Pour the finished mixture into any (cake) tin or small dish, cover with aluminium foil and place in the freezer for at least three hours.

 

Place the plums on four deep plates or small bowls, cut off 2 – 3 ice lollies each and place on top, serve immediately.

  • Gewürztraminer (trocken)

in a bacon coating Lamb

in a bacon coating

  • 4 Stück Lammlachse à 150 g
  • 4 Scheiben Bacon
  • 0,1 Liter Wein
  • 0,3 Liter Gemüsebrühe
  • 1 kleine Schalotte
  • 20 Gramm Butter
  • 4 EL Olivenöl
  • je 2 Zweige Thymian, Rosmarin, Salbei
  • nach Geschmack Salz & Pfeffer

Season the lamb salmon with pepper and massage 2 tbsp of olive oil into the meat. Finely chop the thyme, rosemary and sage and season the meat in the herbs. Marinate in the fridge for a few hours.

<p

 

<p>Wrap the meat with the bacon slices and sear on all sides in the remaining olive oil. Continue to cook for approx. 4 minutes on each side over a low heat (the cooking time depends on the thickness of the lamb loin - it is best to do a pressure test). Then wrap in aluminium foil and leave to rest in the oven at 80 °C – so they remain juicy and slightly pink on the inside.

 

This goes well with Bärlauch risotto.

  • Dornfelder (trocken)