Champagne's fruity third grape
Pinot Meunier
The often-overlooked third Champagne grape, adding fruit, roundness, and approachability to the blend.
The Grape
Pinot Meunier is a dark-skinned grape and one of the three principal varieties of Champagne, alongside Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It contributes bright fruitiness, roundness, and early approachability to blends, and is increasingly bottled as a characterful varietal sparkling wine.
History & Origins
Long the quiet workhorse of Champagne's vineyards, especially in the cooler Vallée de la Marne, Meunier is now gaining recognition from growers who prize its fruit and reliability and bottle it on its own.
Flavour Profile
Fruity, round, and approachable.
Champagne Blend
Apple, pear, red berry, brioche, white flowers
Adds bright orchard and red fruit, supple roundness, and early drinkability to Champagne, balancing Chardonnay's finesse and Pinot Noir's structure.
What to Pair It With
Meunier-led fizz is a flexible apéritif and food wine.
Canapés & Fried Snacks
Bubbles and fruit cut through salty, fried bites.
Roast Chicken
Round fruit flatters simple poultry.
Soft Cheeses
Freshness balances creamy cheeses.
Where the Best Comes From
Pinot Meunier is essentially a Champagne grape.
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