Each region making wine with protected origin in France – and Europe – will specify which grape varietal can be used.
Most of the books or articles about Champagne will only evoque 3 grape varietals used to make the wine.
In the region, 7 different grapes are actually allowed! The 4 other grapes, Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris are very fragile and are called the “forgotten grapes” as they represent less than 0,3% of the plantings… Some small Champagne growers such as Champagne Drappier, Champagne Fleury, Champagne Laherte or Champagne Tarlant, created special cuvees, made only with those rare varietals.
