Grape Variety: Pinot Meunier
Geography: France, particularly the Champagne region. Also grown in limited quantities in other parts of the world.
Viticulture: Grapes rarely ripen fully in the northern Champagne area. The skins of this high quality, red grape never develop much color this far north.
Varietal/Blend: Lends softness to Champagne. It is one of the 3 grapes along with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that make up the bulk of Champagne.
Flavor & Character: Lacks the finesse of the other main grapes used for making Champagne, but does contribute flavor.
Vinification: Careful pressing of this red-skinned grape allows the juice to be removed, virtually without coloration. It ages faster than Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and therefore has the advantage of adding flavor and maturity to young Champagne.
Style: Not noted for its individual style—rather as a desirable flavor constituent of Champagne.
Body, Dry/Sweet: Its high acidity and lightweight make it an ideal grape for the production of Champagne.
Notes: Pinot Meunier has not traveled much outside the Champagne region of France.