Pinot Meunier, or Schwarzriesling, is a dark blue grape with white juice, cultivated mainly in the Marne Valley (between Epernay and Chateau-Thierry) and the hills of the Massif Saint Thierry. The grape accounts for 31% of the vineyard area in the Champagne region.
Where does the name "Meunier" (French for "miller") come from? Simply because the whitish, downy appearance of its leaves gives the impression that they are covered with flour.
🥂 Tasting notes
Meunier gives Champagne a round, creamy, and delicious flavor profile. It displays notes of white and yellow fruits (peach, apricot, plum, mirabelle) as well as exotic fruits.
🥂 Pairings
Champagnes made from 100% Meunier are excellent as an aperitif, for example, with puff pastry, but also with food, such as meat, poultry, refined seafood, or cheese (Comté, Ossau Iraty,...).
🍾 Aging
The Pinot Meunier grape ages very well thanks to its freshness; after a few years of maturation, one can also discover tertiary aromas such as honey, cocoa, and toasted notes.
🌹 Rosé Champagne
Pinot Meunier is a wonderful grape also used in the production of Rosé Champagne. Although it does not appear as often as a pure Meunier Champagne, it is more often found in combination with Pinot Noir. This makes this rare Rosé Champagne a true delight for all senses!
🍾 Conclusion
The Meunier grape variety has gained considerable importance in Champagne in recent decades, leading to wonderful 100% Meunier Champagnes! Champagnes made from 100% Meunier are supple, rich in natural sugars, and offer heavenly fruity scents and aromas, an essential element for a good balance.
Definitely enjoy them, and best served in beautiful wine glasses so they can fully develop their potential.
