Pinot Meunier

Pinot Meunier is is one of the many mutations of Pinot Noir. It got its name because of the appearance of the grapes' leafy undersides. This variety of wine is famous for its slightly bitter taste, acidity and fruity flavors. The color of Pinot Meunier is usually light red or rose. This is one of the three main grapes used in the production of champagne ( the other are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay ).http://www.wineintro.com/types/pinotmeunier.html

Pinot Meunier grapes are slightly smaller than Pinot noir because they are resistant to the plant growth hormone gibberellic acid. Pinot Meunier grapes can also resist cold climates making it an ideal fruit to be grown in the regions of Northern France.

Pinot Meunier isn't considered as noble of a type of grapes as Pinot Noir, but it makes a good blend with non-vintage sparkling wines. It is very rarely is used as a red wine, too.

Pinot Meunier can be harvested early than many noble grapes and this gives the advantage for Pinot Meunier over them. Pinot Meunier is slightly more acidic than Pinot Noir and this enables brightness and fruitiness in Champagne blends. Most often this is served relatively young without aging for a long time.

As a sparkling wine known for its acidity and fruity flavors Pinot Meunier is paired well with the Asian food.

In California Pinot Meunier is used mainly in sparkling wines and champagne production.http://www.winepros.org/wine101/grape_profiles/meunier.htm

• Pinot noir

• Pinot gris

• Pinot blanc

• Pinot moure

• Pinot teinturier