The Meunier

Meunier is an ancient variant of Pinot Noir, more rustic than the latter.

For a long time it remained in the shadow of Pinot Noir, but today it has its own Cuvées. It is one of the three most important grape varieties in Champagne production.

This grape variety is vinified alone or in blends:

• Cuvées made exclusively with Meunier or in blends with Pinot Noir are called Blanc de Noirs in Champagne.
• Blended with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it gives the Cuvées its famous fruity notes.

HISTORY OF MEUNIER

Meunier is a black grape variety derived from a mutation of Pinot Noir, both white grapes with black skins.

What distinguishes Meunier from Pinot Noir is mainly its shape and the specificity of its vines. Meunier at maturity has a floured appearance. This appearance is due to a slight white fluff on the underside of the young leaves (cottony), which gives the impression of a shower of flour, hence the nickname Meunier (miller).

Its clusters are small to medium in size, with round, closely spaced kernels. The skin is thick and well intense blue/black in color. Its development is rather rapid compared to other grape varieties.

This grape variety gave France its greatest white wines from the 12th to the 17th century, only to be forgotten with the arrival of Chardonnay.

Fortunately, today a change in mentality has occurred that has led to the emergence of an increasing number of 100% Meunier wines.

THE MEUNIER IN CHAMPAGNE

Champagne is its true stronghold to the point of occupying one-third of the vineyard, or nearly 11,000 hectares. It is the second most planted grape variety after Pinot Noir (38 percent) and ahead of Chardonnay (29 percent).

Cultivated for its hardiness and its ability to adapt to difficult ripening zones exposed to the risk of spring frosts, it is particularly suited to the fertile, clay soils characteristic of the cuestas of the Vallée de Marne.

CHARACTERISTICS OF MEUNIER

1.     ACCORDING TO THE NATURE OF THE TERROIR

Champagne made from 100% Meunier delights us with the characteristics of its specific terroir of birth.

• The Meunier of the Montagne de Reims, with its limestone soils, is characterized by a lively attack, with beautiful minerality and moderate acidity, followed by volume and lightness, ending with a tight finish. 
• The Meunier of the Vallée de la Marne, with clay and limestone soils, is characterized by a round attack followed by good volume, finishing with a fruity and mineral touch. 
• The Meunier of the Côte des Bar is round and fruity. Its structure is oval with a soft, broad attack, full body and aromatic finish.

2. ACCORDING TO AGING

Meunier gives us an organoleptic profile that evolves during the long years of aging. It is very similar to Pinot Noir, although its aromas are more fruity and bring freshness and roundness to the wine.

• In its youth, it develops notes of red fruit (raspberry, cherry) and stone fruit (quince, pear, apricot, mirabelle plum, apple).
• As it matures, it transitions to aromas of cooked fruits, such as apple compote and jam, with sweeter notes of honey and caramel.
• As it ages, notes of dried fruits, spices and cocoa are released, followed by aromas of underbrush (mushrooms).

The time has finally come to savor the result of this long work and discover all the facets of Blanc de Noirs Champagnes elaborated with this varietal, a rare pearl with aromatic notes worthy of a Grand Cru.

Enter our Boutique to choose your Cuvées!

Cheers et à votre santé!