Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Meunier. One family, three different grapes, two amazing new wines! Pinot refers to a group of European Vitis Vinifera varieties from the same family of grapes thought to have originated in Burgandy, France. The term “pinot” translates from French to pinecone which refers to the shape of the small tight clusters of grapes grown on these vines. Pinot Noir is the head of this family, famous for its dark- skinned grapes with cherry, raspberry, and mushroom notes.
Genetically, it’s rather unstable and has been known to morph into grapes with different characteristics and colors. This morphing is known as cloning. Pinot Gris and Pinot Meunier are two varieties that have morphed from the parent Pinot Noir. Pinot Gris (Gray), also known as Pinot Grigio in Italy, is a pinkish-gray grape that produces white wines with crisp apple and pear notes.
As you know, St. Julian makes amazing Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris wines from our Mountain Road Estate Vineyard, but you may not be familiar with our new variety Pinot Meunier. Grown by grower partner, Dan Nitz, Pinot Meunier is a dark-skinned grape that has cherry, pomegranate, rose, and raspberry notes. All three of these grapes were used to create Wine Club exclusive wines – Pinot 3 Red and Pinot 3 White.
Pinot 3 Red was fermented on the skins of the Noir and Meunier and blended with the Gris to create a light, fresh dry red with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and a touch of vanilla from aging in French oak for 13 months. Pinot 3 White is made from grapes pressed off the skins right away, so that they maintain the bright pear, apple, and peach flavors without any color or tannin. Blended, these 3 pinots produce exciting, approachable wines perfect for the upcoming holidays!
