Midalidare’s grape varieties: Meunier in a nutshell
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Formerly known as Pinot Meunier, since it was long considered to be a relative of Pinot Noir, Meunier (as it’s now commonly referred to) has come into its own in recent years. New DNA testing has been unsuccessful at establishing a connection between the two, therefore Meunier has become independent of its ‘Pinot’ precursor.
- Meunier is a periclinal chimera that naturally evolved as a somatic variant of Pinot Noir. It features a heterozygous mutation in the VviGAI1 gene (which regulates gibberellin signaling) localized exclusively in the epidermal cell layer, making its outer layer distinct from its inner tissues.
- The name ‘Meunier’ derives from the French word ‘miller’ - as in flourmill - because the leaves are covered in tiny white hairs, as though they’ve been dusted with white flour.
- In the early 1990s, research conducted by plant geneticist Carole Meredith at the University of California at Davis revealed a common heritage between Meunier and a number of other grape varieties. Based on DNA, she concluded that an original Pinot prototype and Gouais Blanc are the parents of Meunier and fifteen other Gallic varieties, including Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
- Meunier is exceptional at a great many things, but commanding the spotlight is not one of them. Over the centuries, winemakers in Champagne have come to rely on the grape’s hardiness, resistance to frosts and ability to bring fruitiness and body to their blended cuvées.
- Meunier accounts for roughly a third of land under vine in Champagne.
- First identified in the 16th century.
- In Sparkling wines Meunier adds youthful fruit to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
- As Müllerrebe it is grown in Germany's Württemberg and some varietal still wines are made in Victoria, Australia.
- Although less common, some producers make a Blanc de Meunier, a sparkling wine made from solely Pinot Meunier grapes.
- It can be used in rosé in areas like the Loire Valley.
- International Meunier Day is celebrated annually on December 16th
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Meunier series
- Midalidare’s grape varieties: Meunier – The variety and the terroirs - Part 2: Meunier – Specifics of the variety and appropriate regions
- Midalidare’s grape varieties: Meunier – Wines & winemaking - Part 3: Meunier – Styles of wines and winemaking techniques
- Midalidare’s grape varieties: Meunier - Wine & dine - Part 4: How to serve, store and pair Meunier wine with food
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