The wine world of Champagne is experiencing a "small revolution"! If you thought that only seven grape varieties were officially permitted in the region, it's time to update your knowledge: Pink Chardonnay – a natural mutation of the famous Chardonnay Blanc – has now joined the list. This move, hailed by experts as significant, adds an eighth variety to the already existing Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris. And, of course, Voltis, which has been approved for cultivation in Champagne, from which wine can be added to blends no earlier than 2030.

Pink Chardonnay's history spans decades: it was included in the French National Grape Collection (INRAE) back in 1950 to preserve the variety. However, its use in the Champagne appellation was only formally authorized after the publication of the decree of July 31, 2025, ratified on August 5, 2025.

Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, Cellar Master at Louis Roederer, noted that the variety is already present in many private collections in the region. "It is a mutation of Chardonnay that has practically the same characteristics as white Chardonnay. Perhaps slightly more acidic and with a lower pH, but very close to Chardonnay. That's why it made sense for Champagne to add it to the list of authorized eighth varieties," commented Lécaillon. What will this new variety bring to the future of Champagne wines? Time will tell, but the prospects are already intriguing!