One family, three grapes, and two exciting new wines. Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Meunier all belong to the Pinot family of European Vitis vinifera grapes. Originally, this family traces its roots to Burgundy, France. The word pinot comes from the French term for pinecone, which refers to the tight, cone-shaped grape clusters these vines produce.
At the center of the Pinot family stands Pinot Noir, its most well-known member. This dark-skinned grape delivers classic flavors of cherry, raspberry, and earthy mushroom notes. However, Pinot Noir is genetically unstable. Over time, it can naturally mutate and produce grapes with different colors and traits. Winemakers refer to this process as cloning.
As a result, two well-known clones emerged from Pinot Noir: Pinot Gris and Pinot Meunier. Pinot Gris, also called Pinot Grigio in Italy, features pinkish-gray skins. In turn, it produces white wines with crisp apple and pear flavors. Pinot Meunier, by contrast, remains less familiar to many wine drinkers. This dark-skinned grape brings vibrant notes of cherry, pomegranate, rose, and raspberry.
At St. Julian, winemakers already produce standout Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris wines from the Mountain Road Estate Vineyard. Now, the winery expands its Pinot lineup by introducing Pinot Meunier. Grower partner Dan Nitz cultivates this variety, adding depth and character to the portfolio. Together, all three grapes come together in two Wine Club exclusive releases: Pinot 3 Red and Pinot 3 White.
For Pinot 3 Red, winemakers ferment Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier on their skins. They then blend the wine with Pinot Gris to create a light, fresh dry red. As a result, the wine offers flavors of cherry and raspberry, along with subtle vanilla notes from 13 months of aging in French oak.
Meanwhile, Pinot 3 White follows a different approach. Winemakers press the grapes off their skins right away to preserve freshness. This technique highlights bright pear, apple, and peach flavors while avoiding color and tannin. Ultimately, when blended, these three Pinot grapes create approachable, expressive wines that shine during the holiday season and beyond.
