The seven families of champagne (6/7): the knights of the miller

Long considered too rustic, Pinot Meunier is not necessarily a vassal of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

The seven families of champagne (6/7): the knights of the miller

Long considered too rustic, Pinot Meunier is not necessarily a vassal of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Driven by a good and healthy viticulture, it becomes more than a stooge, and parcel vintages are now dedicated to it. Emblematic winegrowers make a point of imposing it as the sole lord of their vintage, especially in the Marne Valley.

At the origin of the creation of the Meunier Institut, Éric Taillet sets the tempo: his Exclusiv'T cuvée opens the entrance gate of sensuality through the range. The new Renaissance cru perfectly translates the subtle aromatic density of its original clay. Now a vintage, Bansionensi shines in 2017, going against the tide of the reputation of this difficult year. Vintage offers a caressing tactile profile. It is a great wine for gastronomy, like a good part of the vintages of Jérôme Dehours, including the famous Terre de Meunier, creamy and limpid, or Les Genevraux, of a distinguished generosity.

We are in a dimension of textural wine, as also evidenced by the vintages of Jérôme Prévost: the Fac Simile rosé, very seductive, and Béguines with spicy velvety cream are capable of giving the answer to a whole festive meal.

Eric Taillet Exclusiv'T  

A nice entry-level in a register that is both greedy and vinous. Good length on the caressing and spicy finish. €22.50

Jerome Dehours Land of Meunier

Nice creamy attack with a dense and juicy mouth. Stylish iodized finish. There we have a very nice meal champagne. €31.40

Jérôme Prévost The Beguines

Great gastronomy wine thanks to its spicy thickness, endowed with a perfectly stretched effervescence at the end of the mouth. 97 €

Jean-Marc Charpentier Pinot Meunier Zero Dosage

A very small plot selection (3,508 bottles), but with great potential, which puts the miller in the spotlight. Notes of yellow stone fruits, creamy mousse and lovely freshness. 42 €

Domaine Lelarge-Pugeot Les Meuniers de Clémence Extra brut (organic)38 €

Xavier Loriot Collision Meunier Brut20 €  

Régis Poissinet Irizée Meunier 2013115 €

Huré Frères 4 elements Pinot Meunier72 €