The wine is garnet in color with expressive aromas of blackberry, black cherry and raspberry jam with classic Pinot Meunier notes of brown spice, truffles and earth. On the palate, the wine is soft and approachable with supple tannins and balanced acidity. Rich, mouth-filling flavors of huckleberries, cloves, nutmeg, and mushrooms lead to a lingering finish.

While Domaine Chandon is best known a one of America's top sparkling wines, they also produce limited quantities of wines from estate grown vineyards. They craft these wines by drawing on the experience with the traditional champagne varietals and showcasing select parcels from their Carneros ranch, where they were 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 where it represents significant acreage in that appellation, Pinot Meunier is being discovered by only a few of the most adventurous winemakers.

Chandon's experience growing Carneros Pinot Meunier for our sparkling wine programs over the past three decades allows gives us unique insight and allows us to tap into the potential of this variety to create an exceptional wine. We believe its distinctive character deserves a place on every wine lover's table. Hand-crafted in 1989 in boutique quantities, the 2005 Pinot Meunier continues our proud tradition pioneering unique wine styles. Search for this wine and you will be rewarded.