Usually ignored by its internationally celebrated mixing companions Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier (often known as Meunier or Schwarzriesling) is a red-skinned grape selection which is primarily cultivated in Champagne, and a part of the basic Champagne mix trio.
Thought-about a mutation of Pinot Noir, Meunier is effectively tailored to Champagne’s cool local weather because it buds later and ripens sooner than its two mixing companions, making it much less inclined to spring frosts and climatic disruptions at harvest. It additionally thrives in a spread of soils, making this an advantageous selection for growers.
Main plantings are discovered within the frost-prone Vallée de la Marne, the northernmost part of Montagne de Reims, the Massif de Saint-Thierry, and west of Reims within the Vesle and Ardre valleys.
Scroll right down to see award-winning varietal Pinot Meunier wines from DWWA 2024
Meunier’s reasonable acidity softens and provides approachability to a mix. It contributes red-fruit aromas and earthiness, producing wines appropriate for fast consumption – though some producers have championed its potential for ageing.
Whereas it’s usually utilized in blends, producers do bottle Pinot Meunier as a varietal wine; Blanc de Noirs seeing explicit success with expressive aromas and highly effective, fruity flavours.
Exterior of Champagne, England, Germany, California, New Zealand and the Loire Valley are among the areas that Pinot Meunier is grown. Nonetheless purple and rosé wines are characterised for his or her gentle physique, full of life fruitiness and refreshing acidity.
To have fun Worldwide Pinot Meunier Day, we spotlight top-awarded glowing Meunier wines from Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2024, primarily Champagnes, however with UK fizz making the listing too. Uncover these 15 distinctive wines to do this vacation season and past.
Pinot Meunier Day: DWWA 2024 award-winning wines to strive
Champagne, France
Collard-Picard, Racines Further Brut NV
Silver, 91 factors
Elegant brioche nostril, then to a palate of blueberry, lemon zest, purple apple, spice and a superb acidity. Alcohol 12.5%
Dom Caudron, Epicurienne Brut NV
Silver, 91 factors
Inviting aromas of delicate pepper; palate of delicate inexperienced tomato leaf, cranberry, purple berry and a brisk lemon acidity. Alc 12%
Fallet Dart, 100% Meunier Brut 2019
Silver, 91 factors
Yeasty nostril with hints of strawberry and purple cherry, whereas the palate is graced with white raspberry and lemon. Alc 12.3%
Vincent d’Astrée, Meunier Blanc de Noirs Brut 2015
Silver, 91 factors
Spiced apricot and nutmeg on the nostril; baked plum, cranberry, tart raspberry and white cherry on the palate. Alc 12%
Beaumont des Crayères, Grand Meunier Blanc de Noirs Further Brut NV
Silver, 90 factors
Restrained and floral on the nostril, then to a palate of cherry, purple apple, honeyed purple fruit and a vibrant acidity. Alc 12.5%
Blaise-Lourdez, Les Pommerats Brut Nature NV
Silver, 90 factors
Inviting and fragrant, with a nostril of purple fruit and spice; palate of cherry, plum, anise and a superb saline end. Alc 12.5%
Durdon Bouval, Les Sablons Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature NV
Silver, 90 factors
Fragrant nostril of bready notes, then to a palate of lemon curd, lime juice, pomelo and a touch of nougat. Alc 12.5%
H. Blin, Sélection Parcellaire Meunier Blanc de Noirs Further-Brut 2015
Silver, 90 factors
Fairly and perfumed, with purple and purple floral notes; ripe peach and a vibrant acidic elevate on the palate. Alc 12.5%
Herbert & Co, 1000% Meunier Further Brut NV
Silver, 90 factors
Fragrant and alluring with coconut and flint on the nostril, palate of chalky verbena, marmite and nut. Alc 12%
Loriot-Pagel, Particular Membership Brut 2018
Silver, 90 factors
Inviting aromas of moist hay leads by to a palate of chalky mineral, preserved lemon and a vibrant acidity. Alc 12.4%
R. Faivre, Reflet Naturel Blanc de Noirs Further Brut NV
Silver, 90 factors
Savoury, virtually earthy nostril with hints of verbena, palate of lemon, lime, strawberry, cherry, anise, peach and sugar cane. Alc 12%
Robert Allait, Le Mont de Reuil Meunier Brut Nature 2015
Silver, 90 factors
Perfumed and floral, with a palate of biscuit, darkish chocolate, apricot, white peach and a superb, buzzing acidity. Alc 12.5%
United Kingdom
Gusbourne, Mill Hill East Pinot Meunier, Kent 2022
Silver, 90 factors
Floral, natural aromas, with a vibrant, wealthy, jammy purple fruit, bitter cherry, graphite, and spicey palate. Alc 12.5%
Hencote, Isadora Rosé, Shropshire 2019
Silver, 90 factors
Aromas of spice and plum with a touch of vanillin. Palate provides spice and pepper to the purple fruit, the strain preserved harmoniously. Alc 11.5%
The Grange, White From Black, Hampshire 2020
Silver, 90 factors
Clear and refreshing with razor-sharp acidity. Citrus and savoury fruit on the palate, with a yeasty end. Alc 12%
Search all DWWA 2024 outcomes
