Overview

 

Pinot Meunier is a dark grape used primarily in Champagne and sparkling wines. It’s a mutation of the Pinot grape, which means it has similar DNA to Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and other derivatives. Although much less renowned than its close relatives Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier has become an essential component in Champagne blends. Meunier is a French word meaning “miller.” In this case, it refers to the floury or chalky appearance of the vine leaves.

 

Pinot Meunier is typically planted in regions that are too cold for Pinot Noir or Pinot Gris. This is due to the fact that it buds much later and ripens much earlier. Because it matures much earlier than Pinot Noir, it’s an ideal grape for softening non-vintage Champagnes while they’re still young. On its own, however, Pinot Meunier doesn’t age very well and would likely become unstable if not supported by the other components used while blending Champagnes. This is why producers avoid using high volumes of Pinot Meunier when making blends.

 

Regions

 

Although relatively unknown to many wine enthusiasts and rarely ever mentioned on wine labels, Pinot Meunier is one of the most commonly planted grape in France. Throughout the 19th century, it was planted on a large scale in the Paris Basin and across the north from the Loire Valley to Lorraine. Growers in these regions favored this grape over Pinot Noir. This is due to the fact that it can bud and ripen much more reliably. Because it buds late and ripens early, it’s less vulnerable to coulure, a disease that’s caused by a metabolic reaction to weather conditions. For the last two centuries, Pinot Meunier has accounted for over 40% of northern France’s totally Champagne plantings. The grape is most prevalent in the north-facing vineyards of the Aisne department and the Vallee de la Marne. Growers in the Aube region plant Pinot Meunier in areas where Chardonnay and Pinot Noir won’t fully ripen.

 

Pinot Meunier is also grown in Germany and used to make still red wines, more specifically, Muller-Traube, Mullerrebe, and Schwarzriesling. It’s most prevalent in the Wurttenberg region, where it’s used to produce a local wine called Schillerwein. Pinot Meunier is also planted in other wine regions including Palatinate, Baden, and Franconia. It also pops up in German-speaking areas in Switzerland and Austria.

 

Today, Pinot Meunier can be found in small quantities within the Loire Valley regions of Orleans, Touraine, Moselle, and Cotes de Toul. In these areas, it’s made into light-bodied red wines. Winemakers in California, Australia, and New Zealand are also using this grape to make great Champagnes and sparkling wines.

 

Profile

 

The flavor notes of Pinot Meunier include herbs, white flowers, spices, blueberries, and meats. When made well, it’s both sweet and savory. It’s light-bodied and has a relatively high acidity. It pairs well with chicken, pork, salmon, and shellfish. When pairing with cheese, it’s great with bold flavors such as bleu cheese. It also works well with buttery or fruity desserts.

 

Meta: Pinot Meunier is a dark grape commonly used in Champagne blends. Learn more about this resilient grape, the regions it’s grown, and it’s flavor profile.