Since 31 July 2025, Chardonnay Rose has been listed as a principal variety in the Champagne appellation specification, bringing the total to eight.
Chardonnay Rose is now officially part of the Champagne appellation. Since 31 July 2025, the appellation's specification (cahier des charges) has listed it as a principal variety. Eight grapes are therefore authorised: Pinot Noir, Meunier, Chardonnay, Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay Rose. The Comité Champagne announced the change on 16 October 2025.
A quirk of nature
Chardonnay Rose is a natural mutation of white Chardonnay. It was identified from the 1900s onwards in Champagne and Burgundy. Dedicated growers kept it alive, but for a long time it survived only in collections or as scattered vines. Its entry in the French catalogue of varieties in 2018 gave it a botanical identity and allowed it to be propagated. Unlike crossings such as Voltis, it arose without human intervention.
Agronomically and in the winery, it is very close to white Chardonnay. The wines show a certain freshness, but according to the Comité it is above all the story behind the variety that sets it apart.
Three grapes still dominate: Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay make up almost all of the plantings. Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and now Chardonnay Rose together cover just 0.5 per cent of the vineyard. The Comité sees the addition as a sign of Champagne's genetic diversity and its ability to adapt to climate change.
Source: Comité Champagne
