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I looked at the label and it read Domaine Chandon, pinot meunier.

Pinot Meunier.

Whose ever heard of a grape called Pinot Meunier?

Not me.

What I found out later was I had tasted this grape many times before, but didn’t know it. How could I have tasted what I consider to be an amazing red wine before and not have been totally blown away by it? Before I answer that, I have this question for you.

What three grapes go into the making of champagne?

I’ll give you some help on this one, and I’ll let you guess the third one

1) Chardonnay
2) Pinot Noir
3) P—- M——

If you guessed pinot meunier, you are 100% correct.

I had been drinking and tasting this grape in champagne and just didn’t know it. I simply didn’t know that pinot meunier is one on the three grapes that make champagne so good.

You may be saying to yourself right about now that most champagnes are white, well you’re right. Most champagnes are considered to be white sparkling wines. So why did I start off talking about my favorite red wine and then end up talking about champagne? It all has to do with the art of making wine and the skin of the grape.

It is the skin of the grape that gives the wine its color. The longer the skin remains in contact with the juice the redder the wine. No contact with the skin after juicing produces a white wine.

Pinot Meunier like champagne is a special occasion wine. If you like a smooth, silky red, then this wine is for you. Share it with a loved one, or celebrate with friends, you can’t go wrong with this spectacular wine from Domaine Chandon.

We love this wine at Homeport.

It’s a winner.

This from the Domaine Chandon website

PHILOSOPHY
Pinot Meunier (French for “miller,” in reference to the powdery underside of its leaves that can look as though dusted with flour) is the soulful sibling of Pinot Noir that plays a small but vital role in the blending of Chandon sparkling wines. Rarely planted outside of the Champagne region in France where it represents significant acreage of that appellation, Pinot Meunier is being discovered by only a few of the most adventurous winemakers. Domaine Chandon’s experience growing Carneros Pinot Meunier for our sparkling wine programs over the past three decades gives us unique insight, allowing us to tap the full potential of this variety to create an exceptional red wine. Our vineyard property in Carneros seems to be the perfect home for this fruit, and we believe its distinctive character deserves a place on every wine lover’s table. Hand-crafted by Domaine Chandon since 1989 in boutique quantities, the 2005 Pinot Meunier continues our proud tradition of pioneering unique wine styles. Search for this wine and you’ll be rewarded.

VINTAGE NOTES
A mostly mild growing season with relatively cool conditions saw the heat turned way up across Labor Day weekend, causing a bit of nervous energy in the valley. Not to fear, however, the vines recovered beautifully, with low yields delivering intense color and flavor concentration.

TASTING NOTES
The Domaine Chandon Pinot Meunier is cherry red with blood plum hues. Intriguing aromas of brown spice, nutmeg, truffle and smoked meats overlay notes of red currant and cassis. The palate is soft, long and complex. Flavors of plum and cherry complement a lusciously sweet and spicy balance.

FOOD AND WINE PAIRING
Winemaker James Kress loves the intensity and flexibility of this wine with food. He recommends serving it with full-flavored or spicy foods such as roasted lamb or mu shu pork. For a more casual experience, try it with your next barbecue or on a picnic with bleu cheese and a baguette.

Winemaker: James Kress

Vintage: 2005

Harvest Dates: September 11-16

Appellation: Carneros

Composition: 100 % Pinot Meunier
Aging: 12 months
– 20% new French oak
– 10% new American oak

Alcohol: 14.1%

TA: 6.4

PH: 3.66