Pinot Meunier

Pinot Meunier is a grape variety that is widely grown in the Champagne region of France. It is one of the three main grape varieties used in the production of Champagne, along with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Pinot Meunier is known for its fruity and floral aromas, as well as its ability to add body and depth to Champagne blends.

Pinot Meunier is a black grape variety that is believed to be a mutation of Pinot Noir. It is named after the French word for “miller,” which refers to the white down that covers the underside of the leaves, giving them a dusty appearance. Pinot Meunier is a relatively easy grape to grow, as it is resistant to disease and ripens early, making it a popular choice for Champagne producers.

Pinot Meunier is also grown in other parts of the world, including Germany, Switzerland, and the United States. In Germany, it is known as Schwarzriesling, while in Switzerland, it is called Müller-Thurgau. In the United States, Pinot Meunier is grown primarily in California and Oregon, where it is used to produce still wines as well as sparkling wines.

Pinot Meunier is often blended with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to create Champagne blends. It is valued for its ability to add fruitiness and freshness to the blend, as well as its ability to mature quickly. Pinot Meunier is also used to produce still red and rosé wines, which are becoming increasingly popular in the Champagne region.

There are several different varieties of Pinot Meunier, each with its own unique characteristics. The most common variety is the standard Pinot Meunier, which is known for its fruity and floral aromas, as well as its high acidity. Another variety is the Pinot Meunier Rosé, which is made from red-skinned Pinot Meunier grapes and has a pink color and a fruity flavor. A third variety is the Pinot Meunier Blanc de Noirs, which is made from black-skinned Pinot Meunier grapes and has a white color and a crisp, refreshing flavor.

There are several famous Champagne brands that use Pinot Meunier in their blends. One of the most well-known is Moët & Chandon, which uses Pinot Meunier in its Brut Impérial blend. Another famous brand is Veuve Clicquot, which uses Pinot Meunier in its Yellow Label blend. Other notable brands that use Pinot Meunier include Bollinger, Krug, and Taittinger.