Pinot Meunier

Pinot Muenier Mullerrebe from Wikipedia

Colour:  blue-black colour

This grape variety is a mutation of the famous “Pinot noir“. The underside of its leaves looks like they have been dusted into flour. It is where its name comes from, “Meunier” meaning “miller”. The difference between a Pinot Noir and a Pinot Meunier wine is firstly the color which will be less present in the Pinot Meunier, and secondly its level in alcohol will be less pronounced. Pinot Meunier is used for the traditional Champagne blend.

Frequency: Fairly-well planted worldwide, but not very-well known.

Synonym(s):  various, here couple example, “Gris Meunier” in France, “black cluster” in England, “Müllerrebe” (miller grape) and also “Schwarzriesling” in Germany.

Origin: Champagne (France)

Maturity: First period.

Sensitivity to diseases: sensitive to grey rot (disease caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea which, if not controlled, can destroy berries), powdery mildew (disease caused by the fungus Podosphaera nector which makes the leaves dry and fall off), and it is also sensitive to grape moth larvae. But this grape variety is known to be resistant to winter frost.

 Area(s) Cultivated: Vigorous grape variety, it is planted in cold area

France →Champagne (main area cultivated), Burgundy, Loire valley.

Europe→ Germany, Switzerland, Austria.

Worldwide→ Australia, New Zeland, USA (Oregon).

Where (map):

Type of Wines Profile(s) – With soft tannins, the Pinot Meunier wines do not age well. They have a good acidity, and aromas of fruit. This grape variety is found in sparkling wine of champagne, as well as “rosé” wines.

Facts and tips:

• Pinot Meunier is one of the permitted grapes in Loire Valley for AOC wine of Touraine.
• Pinot Meunier represents almost 40% of vineyards in Champagne.