Pinot Meunier
Despite being widely unknown to most, this sister-grape of Pinot Noir is a key player in the wine world. Pinot Meunier is rarely bottled as a single variety. Instead, this fruity red is best known for its use in Champagne blends. In fact, it accounts for a third of the planting across the region yet holds a much lower profile compared to its fellow Champagne varieties (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir). However, there is more to Pinot Meunier than just Champagne, and its existence extends beyond that of this region. Grown across a handful of other areas in France, as well as popping up across the globe in both Old and New World regions, this grape is somewhat overlooked in the world of wine.
Pinot Meunier Tasting Notes
Cherry
Raspberry
Mushroom
Forest Floor
Rose
Pinot Meunier is a fruit-driven vino. On the nose, expect bold aromas of cherry, followed by juicy red fruits including raspberry and strawberry. This abundance of fruity flavours is carried over on to the palate with a sprinkling of earthy notes of mushroom and forest floor. It’s also common to discover slightly more tropical or floral nuances here. When this grape is blended in Champagne, it adds fruitiness and aromatic characteristics, complementing the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay perfectly.
Pinot Meunier Wine Style
Light and Juicy Red Wine
Light Full-BodiedDespite being from the same family as Pinot Noir, this lesser-known sister grape is quite different in style. Being a cool climate grape, it’s generally lighter in colour and produces a very dry wine, with a medium to light body and low tannins. Acidity is on the higher side which helps make it perfect for sparkling wines. When it comes to blending, this grape helps to soften the wine with its red fruit-driven flavour profile and light body – which is especially useful in non-vintage Champagne that hasn’t had the time to soften naturally.
Wine Regions
France
England
Germany
Australia
Unsurprisingly, Pinot Meunier is most commonly grown in the Champagne region of France. It is more prevalent in the cooler, north-facing vineyards in the northern area of the region, such as Vallée de la Marne. The grape thrives here due to its ability to ripen in much cooler climates. Outside of this area it can be found in the Loire Valley and Moselle regions of France, as well as other cooler European regions such as Germany (where it is used to produce still wines) and England. When it comes to New World, Australia and California produce very small amounts.
What Food Goes with Pinot Meunier?
Being a lighter-bodied red, Pinot Meunier can complement foods which are more delicate in flavour. Poultry or duck are a great match here as the wine won’t overpower the flavours. This variety also lends itself well to seafood for the same reasons, particularly tuna or prawns. When it comes to veggie options, mushroom-based dishes are ideal here as the food will pick up the earthy, mushroom notes in the wine, creating a delicious flavour combination on the palate.
