2006 Pinot Meunier

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Amalie Robert Estate, LLC

2006 Pinot Meunier

What is it? Pinot Meunier (MUH-n’yay) is a close relative to Pinot Noir and was identified as such before the 16th century. Based on recent DNA “fingerprinting”, an early Pinot vine and a vine called “Gouais Blanc” are the parents of Pinot Meunier and other varieties, including Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The name “Meunier” is a French word meaning “the miller”. This term is given to Pinot Meunier due to the distinctive, flour-dusted appearance on its leaves.

What is it like as a still wine? Pinot Meunier was traditionally used to make sparkling wine, however as a still wine it is very similar to Pinot Noir. Pinot Meunier is appreciated for its aromatics, fruitiness, soft tannins and spicy finish. It is a varietal that provides its most pleasure when consumed within 3 to 5 years of the vintage.

The vintage: 2006 marks another warm and bountiful vintage for Amalie Robert Estate. The growing season was warm without excessive temperature spikes or drought. Degree days came in just under 2,200, rainfall from April through October was just under 6” and seemed to come just at the right time. Ernie manages the vineyard, but Mother Nature handles the irrigation program. These conditions provided for beautifully developed and very expressive fruit.

Tasting Notes: We find this garnet colored Pinot Meunier to open with very delicate aromas of strawberries, maraschino cherries, cocoa dusted almonds and cinnamon. The palate begins with Montmorency cherry, moves through freshly crushed black raspberries, soothes with soft tannins that help set up the crisp, lingering sensation of five spice. We recommend the same stemware you would use for Pinot Noir. Unfined and unfiltered; 97 cases produced.

Suggested Food Pairings: Pinot Meunier pairs well with anything that would pair with Pinot Noir. The natural acidity of Pinot Meunier is a perfect foil for rich dishes such as Duck Confit and Steak Dianne. Blue cheeses including Morbier and Camembert are very complimentary.

2006 Pinot Meunier Accolades

Josh Raynolds - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 2009

Bright red. Spicy cherry on the nose, with deeper cocoa and black tea notes adding an element of seriousness. Red berry and bitter cherry flavors are complicated by brown spice and succulent herb qualities and given structure by gentle tannins. Finishes with good spicy lift and sweet persistence. More structured than the pinot noir; in fact, this benefited from decanting. 90 points.

Forbes Mazagine Pinot Meunier Article

Eric Arnold - Forbes Magazine, April 27, 2009

The Grape Divide