Pinot Meunier

Pinot Meunier is a fascinating grape, intrinsically linked to the sparkling symphony of France's famous beverage, Champagne. A blue-black, vine-borne gem, it is one of the principal varieties used in the creation of Champagne, along with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, painted across the celebrated vineyards of eastern France.

The name 'Pinot Meunier’ is derived from the French word ‘meunier,’ meaning ‘miller,’ which alludes to the powdery, flour-like bloom on the underside of its leaves, mimicking the appearance of a miller dusted with flour - a characteristic which aids in distinguishing it from its genetic parent, Pinot Noir, in the vineyard.

While compared to its illustrious companions, Pinot Meunier may pale, it plays a crucial, though understated role in the production of Champagne. It buds later and ripens earlier than the others, making it less susceptible to spring frosts, while offering a reliable crop for harvest. The grape contributes structure and fruit-forward rounds to Champagne's taste profile, offering the beverage its distinctive, soothing blend of vitality and complexity.

However, Pinot Meunier is unfavourably perceived as the lesser partner in this trinity, lacking the longevity and finesse of its companions. Consequently, many top producers often relegate its mention to the footnotes. But the tides are turning, with a growing recognition of the grape's unique charm and distinctiveness.

A few Champagne houses and vintners across the world, influenced by the terroir of regions like Oregon, USA or Tasmania, Australia, now spotlight this unsung varietal in single-grape bottlings, unleashing a wholly different yet attractive expression of this unassuming grape to the world. Despite its operational humbleness, the Pinot Meunier grape now stands firm - a testament to the magic of viniculture with its unique signatures of fruitiness, freshness, and delicate floral undertones.

Buy Pinot Meunier wine below.