Philosophy

While Domaine Chandon is best known as one of America’s top sparkling wines, the winery also produces limited quantities of varietal wines from estate-grown vineyards. These wines are crafted by drawing on experience with the traditional champagne varietals and showcasing select parcels from its Carneros ranch, where Domaine Chandon was among the pioneering growers and vintners of the region.

Pinot Meunier, French for “miller” in reference to the powdery underside of the leaves that can look as though dusted with flour, is the soulful sibling of Pinot Noir. It plays a small but vital role in the blending of Chandon sparkling wines. Rarely planted outside of the Champagne region in France, Pinot Meunier pursued by only the most adventurous winemakers.

Domaine Chandon’s experience growing Carneros Pinot Meunier for its sparkling wine programs over the past three decades has provided unique insight and allows the winemaking team to capture the full potential of this variety to create an exceptional wine. Its distinctive character deserves a place on every wine lover’s table. First made in 1989, the 2007 Pinot Meunier continues Domaine Chandon’s proud tradition pioneering unique wine styles. Search for this wine and you will be rewarded with a rare treasure.

Vintage Notes

A relatively cold winter with several deep frosts combined with lower than normal rainfall contributed to a light crop in 2007. Grape clusters weighed less than average and had uneven berry sizing. The summer and fall temperatures were moderately cool until a heat spike in late August and early September caused the smaller clusters of grapes to ripen quickly to the point of maturity for both Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. Lower crop yields and smaller berries have resulted in finished wines that have excellent structure, intensity and concentration of flavors.

Tasting Notes

Rich, vibrant aromas of lavender, plum, and white pepper escape from the glass of this garnet-colored wine with hints of raspberry, nutmeg and sweet tobacco following suit. Luscious flavors of cherries, red plums and strawberries are immediately evident while inherent earthiness and brown spice characteristics develop in the finish. The finely-grained tannins contribute to the silkiness on the mid-palate leading to a fresh finish that will make this wine a welcome companion to a variety of foods.

Food and Wine Pairing

This medium-bodied and flavorful wine is a great match for grilled meats served along with wild rice. Try it with veal marsala or pork loin topped with a huckleberry red wine reduction sauce.