Pinot Meunier

Red variety - Schwarzriesling

• General: With its world-famous namesake, the Schwarzriesling only has growth, late ripening and grape shape in common. Its affiliation to the Burgundy family is undisputed. In France, the variety is known as "Pinot Meunier" and is an integral part of many Champagne cuvées. The French "Pinot Meunier" has been cultivated for 400 years and can also be found in the vineyards of Austria as Blaue Postitschtraube and in Germany synonymously as Müllerrebe. Of the 2,200 hectares under cultivation throughout Germany, 1,600 hectares are in Württemberg alone, where it is popular as a sundowner wine.
• Cluster: The medium-sized clusters are densely packed with small, roundish oval berries that have a black-blue berry skin.
• Wine: The nose of the Schwarzriesling is reminiscent of early cherries, red currants and ripe plums. In the body, it is delicate with strong acidity and discreet Pinot Noir aromas, which is why the wines are often used as a basic component of champagne or sparkling wines. As a Württemberg speciality, it can be found as a red partner in Schillerwein.
• Cultivation: The variety is robust against May frosts due to its late budding. The characteristic woolly texture of the buds provides an insulating layer of warmth. The late flowering also reduces the risk of drizzle, which means safe yields with, however, often compact grapes.