Leading Champagne houses typically rely heavily on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but may only use Pinot Meunier as a stretching agent in entry-level Champagnes. Despite being overlooked by many, Meunier is used by major prestige Houses
Though Pinot Meunier is the least popular of the three primary grape varieties, mythic wine makers such as La Closerie deviate from tradition and produce 100% Meunier Champagnes. Wide availability of Meunier and low demand for Meunier have inspired smaller vineyards to produce single vineyard, single-vintage and single varietal Champagnes, which are becoming better known, and highly regarded.
Pinot Meunier grapes are similar in color to pinot noir, with bluish-black skins and tight clusters. Its shoots often have a powdery white appearance due to the white hairs that grow along its surface. Unlike Pinot Noir, meunier is less susceptible to mildew. It is also far more resistant to grape diseases than Chardonnay.
Half Day Tour
▸ Visit 1 Triple meunier comparison tasting
▸ Visit 2 Artisanal vineyard visit & multi tasting
Full Day Tour
▸ Visit 3 Meunier dominant grower producer visit
▸ Visit 4 Marne Valley grower producer of Special Club Champagnes
Lunch Idea
Understand the biodynamic and alternate approaches to creating top quality champagnes without relying on chemicals, and how working in harmony with nature effects the taste and the energy of the wine during a cellars & facilty visit:
Sample autumn pairing menu
Starter: Cream of butternut squash, waffle with Ratafia jelly with Meunier Brut Nature
Main: Ravioli with porcini mushrooms paired with Meunier Vintage 2013 Brut Nature
Dessert: Almond and pink biscuits' dessert paired Cuvée Rosé de Saignée Brut Nature
Vineyard Hike & Picnic
Guided in English, a 2.2 km walk through the vineyard for 90mins followed by a tasting and a take away picnic delivered in the heart of the vineyard which includes: Sandwich / Salad / Dessert / Bottle of Water / 2 glasses of Champagne
Overnight Options: Royal Champagne, Le 25 Bis
Premier Cru: Cumières, Damery, Hautvillers, Dizy, Mareuil sur Ay, Epernay, Pierry
Grand Cru Villages: Ay, Tours-sur-Marne.
Famous Brands in the Area: Moet, Billecart Salmon, Bollinger
