Pinot Meunier Grape Vine
Pinot Meunier is most well known as one of the 3 grapes used in the production of Champagne, and though it doesn’t have the name recognition of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, it is crucial to the production of Champagne and lends wonderful fruit aromas and higher acidity to the wine. Pinot Meunier can also be grown and ripen reliably in much colder areas than Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, making it a reliable insurance crop in off years, or a varietal to grow in cold microclimates. Some winemakers produce Pinot Meunier as a single varietal wine with interesting results.
Name: Vitis vinifera
Site and Soil: Grapes like full to 1/2 day sun and well-drained soil. Grapes are drought resistant once they are established.
Rootstock Description: 1103P
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile.
Hardiness: Hardy to minus 10° F.
Bearing Age: 2-3 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: 10-12 ft. in width on fence, trellis, or other support.
Fruit Skin: Black
Bloom Time: May
Ripening Time: Late September
Yield: 10-15 lbs.
Pests & Diseases: Repel birds with flash tape or cover plants with bird netting.
USDA Zone: 7-9