Amalie Robert Pinot Meunier 09

Pinot Meunier is usually blended into sparkling wine. A relative of Pinot noir, it is occasionally made as a still wine. While similar to Pinot noir, it is tantalizingly different.

The Amalie Robert Pinot Meunier pairs a unique blend of bright red fruit flavors with refreshing, spice tinged acidity. A rounded palate of wild raspberry, pomegranate, mulled cranberry and citrus combine with hints of white pepper, nutmeg, cocoa and Chinese Five Spice. Unique and memorable.

Pinot Meunier (MUH-n’yay) is a close relative to Pinot Noir and was identified as such before the 16th century. Based on recent DNA “fingerprinting”, an early Pinot vine and a vine called “Gouais Blanc” are the parents of Pinot Meunier and other varieties, including Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The name “Meunier” is a French word meaning “the miller”. This term is given to Pinot Meunier due to the distinctive, flour-dusted appearance on its leaves.

Ruby red in the glass extends an invitation. The aromas are deep and rich with ripe blackberries, spice, tilled earth and lemon zest. The palate is broad with succulent red fruits, quince and nutmeg. The finish lingers and provides acidity that is typical of this variety. - the winery

Josh Raynolds - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 2009:

Bright red. Spicy cherry on the nose, with deeper cocoa and black tea notes adding an element of seriousness. Red berry and bitter cherry flavors are complicated by brown spice and succulent herb qualities and given structure by gentle tannins. Finishes with good spicy lift and sweet persistence. More structured than the pinot noir; in fact, this benefited from decanting. 90 points.