Often overlooked by its internationally celebrated blending partners Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier (also known as Meunier or Schwarzriesling) is a red-skinned grape variety which is primarily cultivated in Champagne, and part of the classic Champagne blend trio.
Considered a mutation of Pinot Noir, Meunier is well adapted to Champagne’s cool climate as it buds later and ripens earlier than its two blending partners, making it less susceptible to spring frosts and climatic disruptions at harvest. It also thrives in a range of soils, making this an advantageous variety for growers.
Major plantings are found in the frost-prone Vallée de la Marne, the northernmost section of Montagne de Reims, the Massif de Saint-Thierry, and west of Reims in the Vesle and Ardre valleys.
Scroll down to see award-winning varietal Pinot Meunier wines from DWWA 2024
Meunier’s moderate acidity softens and adds approachability to a blend. It contributes red-fruit aromas and earthiness, producing wines suitable for immediate consumption – although some producers have championed its potential for ageing.
While it is often used in blends, producers do bottle Pinot Meunier as a varietal wine; Blanc de Noirs seeing particular success with expressive aromas and powerful, fruity flavours.
Outside of Champagne, England, Germany, California, New Zealand and the Loire Valley are some of the regions that Pinot Meunier is grown. Still red and rosé wines are characterised for their light body, lively fruitiness and refreshing acidity.
To celebrate International Pinot Meunier Day, we highlight top-awarded sparkling Meunier wines from Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2024, primarily Champagnes, but with UK fizz making the list too. Discover these 15 unique wines to try this holiday season and beyond.
Pinot Meunier Day: DWWA 2024 award-winning wines to try
Champagne, France
Collard-Picard, Racines Extra Brut NV
Silver, 91 points
Elegant brioche nose, then to a palate of blueberry, lemon zest, red apple, spice and a fine acidity. Alcohol 12.5%
Dom Caudron, Epicurienne Brut NV
Silver, 91 points
Inviting aromas of subtle pepper; palate of delicate green tomato leaf, cranberry, red berry and a brisk lemon acidity. Alc 12%
Fallet Dart, 100% Meunier Brut 2019
Silver, 91 points
Yeasty nose with hints of strawberry and red cherry, while the palate is graced with white raspberry and lemon. Alc 12.3%
Vincent d’Astrée, Meunier Blanc de Noirs Brut 2015
Silver, 91 points
Spiced apricot and nutmeg on the nose; baked plum, cranberry, tart raspberry and white cherry on the palate. Alc 12%
Beaumont des Crayères, Grand Meunier Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut NV
Silver, 90 points
Restrained and floral on the nose, then to a palate of cherry, red apple, honeyed red fruit and a bright acidity. Alc 12.5%
Blaise-Lourdez, Les Pommerats Brut Nature NV
Silver, 90 points
Inviting and aromatic, with a nose of red fruit and spice; palate of cherry, plum, anise and a fine saline finish. Alc 12.5%
Durdon Bouval, Les Sablons Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature NV
Silver, 90 points
Aromatic nose of bready notes, then to a palate of lemon curd, lime juice, pomelo and a hint of nougat. Alc 12.5%
H. Blin, Sélection Parcellaire Meunier Blanc de Noirs Extra-Brut 2015
Silver, 90 points
Pretty and perfumed, with red and purple floral notes; ripe peach and a bright acidic lift on the palate. Alc 12.5%
Herbert & Co, 1000% Meunier Extra Brut NV
Silver, 90 points
Aromatic and inviting with coconut and flint on the nose, palate of chalky verbena, marmite and nut. Alc 12%
Loriot-Pagel, Special Club Brut 2018
Silver, 90 points
Inviting aromas of wet hay leads through to a palate of chalky mineral, preserved lemon and a bright acidity. Alc 12.4%
R. Faivre, Reflet Naturel Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut NV
Silver, 90 points
Savoury, almost earthy nose 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 points
Perfumed and floral, with a palate of biscuit, dark chocolate, apricot, white peach and a fine, buzzing acidity. Alc 12.5%
United Kingdom
Gusbourne, Mill Hill East Pinot Meunier, Kent 2022
Silver, 90 points
Floral, herbal aromas, with a bright, rich, jammy red fruit, sour cherry, graphite, and spicey palate. Alc 12.5%
Hencote, Isadora Rosé, Shropshire 2019
Silver, 90 points
Aromas of spice and plum with a hint of vanillin. Palate adds spice and pepper to the red fruit, the tension preserved harmoniously. Alc 11.5%
The Grange, White From Black, Hampshire 2020
Silver, 90 points
Clean and refreshing with razor-sharp acidity. Citrus and savoury fruit on the palate, with a yeasty finish. Alc 12%
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