Pinot Meunier

The Pinot Meunier grape variety is known in German-speaking countries as Müller-Rebe and Schwarzriesling. Pinot Meunier originally comes from Burgundy, where this variety was documented 400 years ago. The undersides of the leaves of this grape variety are densely covered with small, powdery-looking white hairs reminiscent of flour dust, giving it the name 'Müller-Rebe' or 'Pinot Meunier'.

The proportion of Pinot Meunier vines grown in Champagne is 37%. This grape variety is particularly common in the Vallée de la Marne, Aisne and Côte de Bar. As the name suggests, this grape variety is a relative of the Pinot Noir grape variety. Similar to Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier is well equipped to withstand the harsh climatic conditions that occasionally prevail in Champagne, such as frost, especially as it flowers late and ripens relatively early.

Compared to Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier lacks finesse. This type of grape is considered to be simpler. When blended, however, it lends champagnes a special smoothness by somewhat restraining the vigour of Pinot Noirs or enhancing the elegance of Chardonnays. It also imparts a pleasantly spicy bouquet, which can be reminiscent of vanilla or pepper.

 

 

 

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