Pinot Meunier
Registration Information
In France, Meunier is officially listed in the ‘Catalogue of Vine Varieties’ on the A list and is classified for wine grapes. This variety is also included in the catalogues of other European Union member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, and Spain.
Synonymy
In the European Union, Meunier is known by other names: Mlynarka (Czech Republic), Müllerrebe (Germany), Pinot Meunier (Belgium, Czech Republic, Spain), and Schwarzriesling (Austria). These synonyms are officially recognized in France for plant propagation material.
Cultivation and Vine Characteristics
This variety is quite productive and resistant to winter frosts. Its fruitfulness remains good even after a spring frost. Meunier tends to produce many offshoots and suckers. It thrives in limestone terroirs and is not highly sensitive to Chlorosis. The bunches are small, and the berries are very small.
Wine Characteristics
This variety is primarily used for the production of sparkling wines. It produces moderately acidic wines that evolve quickly.
Clonal Selection in France
The fourteen certified Meunier clones carry the numbers 458, 791, 817, 818, 864, 865, 900, 901, 916, 924, 925, 977, 978 and 983. A conservatory of almost 30 clones was planted in Alsace in 1984. An other conservatory of 94 clones has been planted in the wine-growing region of Champagne since 1995.
Available Clones
817
Earlier ripening clone.
Available in: VineTech Select, VineTech GrowerSelect, VineTech International, VineTech QuickVineClone Characteristics
- Fertility: Medium
- Production Level: Medium
- Cluster Weight: Medium
- Vine Vigor: High
Wine Characteristics
- Sugar Potential: Medium
- Oenological Characteristics: Well-suited for producing quality foundational wines.
977
Later ripening clone.
Available in: VineTech GrowerSelect, VineTech International, VineTech QuickVineClone Characteristics
- Fertility: High
- Production Level: Medium
- Cluster Weight: Low
- Vine Vigor: High
Wine Characteristics
- Sugar Potential: High
- Oenological Characteristics: Well-suited for producing quality foundational wines.
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