Pinot Meunier

**Pinot Meunier** is a red grape from the Champagne region of France, where it is one of the three principal varieties used in Champagne alongside Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It is also known simply as Meunier, and as Schwarzriesling in Germany. **In the glass** — as a still red it is medium ruby with aromas of red berries and earth; in sparkling blends it contributes fruitiness, roundness and approachability, with moderate acidity and a soft, supple character. **Where it grows** — its stronghold is Champagne, particularly the cooler Marne Valley, where it buds late and ripens early, making it reliable in a marginal climate; small plantings also exist in Germany and increasingly for varietal sparkling wines elsewhere. **At the table** — lovely with soft cheeses, poultry and canapés. **Cellaring** — it lends early charm to blends, and while most is enjoyed young, some varietal wines can develop with time.

Wines

• Amazone de Palmer Brut — Champagne Palmer & Co
• Appoggiature Brut — Domaine B. Girardin
• Black Label Brut — Lanson
• Blanc de Noirs — Besserat de Bellefon
• Blanc de Noirs Millésime — Bliard-Labeste
• Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru — William Saintot
• Blason de France Champagne — Perrier-Jouët
• Blue Top Brut — Heidsieck & Co Monopole
• Brut — Pongrácz
• Brut — Prestige des Sacres
• Brut — Alfred Gratien
• Brut — Comtesse de Neples
• Brut — Besserat de Bellefon
• Brut — Princes de Venoge
• Brut — Aubry
• Brut — De Castellane
• Brut — Champagne Thiénot
• Brut — Carbon
• Brut — Nicolas Feuillatte
• Brut — Veuve Clicquot