Pinot Meinier

Pinot Meunier is a variety of black grape that is most frequently used in the production of Champagne.  First referred to in the late 1500s, the Meunier part of the name means 'miller' stemming from the flour-like dusty white that appears on the underside of its leaves.

A mutation of Pinot Noir, the vine is made out of thickly clustered leaves and the vines themselves tend to be smaller. 

One of the three grapes used in Champagne production, Champagne makers did not traditionally ackowledge its presence prefering to accentuate the other two grapes, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. However, Pinot Meunier adds body and richness to Champagne when used in very small quantities.