Jan 23, 2026
This episode explores the pink mutation of the Chardonnay grape, and why it’s now in the pantheon of Champagne’s primary grape varieties.
Resources from this episode:
Books:
The Oxford Companion to Wine [5th Edition, Kindle Edition], Harding, J., Robinson, J., Thomas, T. (2023)
Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours [Kindle Edition], Robinson, J., Harding, J., Vouillamoz, J. (2013)
Websites:
Champagne Education [Comité Champange]: Chardonnay Rose (9 January 2026) https://www.champagne.education/en/chardonnay-rose-champagne
Comité Champagne: Grape Varieties https://www.champagne.fr/en/about-champagne/a-great-blended-wine/champagne-and-its-grape-varieties
Ministère de l’Agriculture, de l’Agro-Alimentaire, et de la Souveraineté Alimentaire: Bulletin Officiel - Cahier des Charges du 07-08-2025 [Cahier des charges de l’appellation d’origine contrôlée “Champagne” homologué par l'arrêté du 31 juillet 2025 (AGRT2518163A)] https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/boagri/document_administratif-677d59b2-d392-4220-9fa3-e65dbc723244
PIWI International: The “Voltis” grape variety has been approved for the production of Champagne AOC, Rebsorten & Züchtung (21 February 2022) https://piwi-international.org/en/2022/02/grape-variety-voltis-was-released-for-the-production-of-champagne-aoc/
Wine Business: Pink Chardonnay, a Forgotten Grape Variety that is Regaining its Place in Champagnes Heritage (20 October 2025) https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/309480
Glass in Session Episodes Relevant to this Episode:
S3E3: Wine Caves - Dishing the Dirt https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/s3e3-wine-caves-dishing-the-dirt
S15E2: Champagne Part 2 - Grape to Glass https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/champagne-part-2-grape-to-glass
S16E3: Belgian Wines (updated) and PIWI Grapes (re-release) https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/belgian-wines-updated-and-piwi-grapes-s16e3-re-release
Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session
Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC.
Music:
“Write Your Story” by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)