General information
Schwarzriesling, better known by its French name Pinot Meunier, is a classic grape variety with deep roots in viticultural history. The name Schwarzriesling refers to its physical resemblance to Pinot Noir, but genetically, Pinot Meunier is a unique branch within the Burgundy family. In France, the variety plays a significant role in Champagne production, while in Germany it is also known as Müllerrebe and in Austria as Blaue Postitschtraube.

Grape
The grape clusters are medium-sized and compact, with small, oval-round berries and deep blue-black skin. The buds are characteristically hairy ("meunier" = miller), which provides insulation against spring frost.

Resistance

• Peronospora (downy mildew): average
• Oidium (powdery mildew): average
• Frost tolerance: good due to late bud formation and woolly buds

Due to the compact bunches, caution is advised against botrytis in wet weather.

Wine
Pinot Meunier wine is light, elegant, and aromatic, with notes of early cherries, red currants, and ripe plums. It has pronounced acidity, and the wine has a refined Pinot character. The variety is prized worldwide as a base ingredient in sparkling wines such as Champagne.

Cultivation advice
Pinot Meunier is a late-flowering variety, which minimizes the risk of damage from May frost. The late flowering also reduces the risk of fruit loss due to drizzle. The plant has moderate growth and requires careful foliage development, especially due to its tendency to form compact bunches.

Preparing the vine
The plant grows in a controlled manner, with natural frost resistance and consistent bud formation. Its classic character and good yield also make Pinot Meunier suitable for lovers of traditional viticulture in the garden.

Ground preparation

• On calcareous soil: improve with lava grit
• On sandy soil: improve with bentonite and lava flour

Planting out
Soak your vine in a bucket of water for 24 hours. This allows it to soak up some water before planting.

Plant between May 1st and 15th. Use a soil auger or spade to dig a planting hole 10 cm in diameter and 30 cm deep. Insert the graft just above the ground, so that the vine protrudes 5 to 10 cm above the ground.

Planting distance

• In line: 1 meter
• Between rows: 1.5 to 1.8 meters