Arbane

Arbane is one of the four historic minority varieties still permitted in Champagne, and the rarest of them — likely under one hectare in production across the AOC. It buds late, ripens late, and gives small, irregular yields, which is why it was almost entirely replaced after phylloxera.

Where it survives — chiefly in the Aube, with houses like Aubry, Drappier, Moutard and Laherte Frères working with it — it shows a striking aromatic profile: white flowers, exotic fruit, hay, and a tense, almost saline finish. Most often blended into heritage cuvées alongside Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris.