NEW RELEASE


PHILOSOPHY
While Domaine Chandon is best known as one of America's top sparkling wines, the winery also produces limited quantities of varietal wines from estate-grown vineyards. These wines are crafted by drawing on experience with the traditional champagne varietals and by showcasing select parcels from its Carneros ranch, where Domaine Chandon was among the pioneering growers and vintners of the region.

Pinot Meunier, French for "miller", in reference to the powdery underside of the leaves that can look as though dusted with flour, is the soulful sibling of Pinot Noir. It plays a small but vital role in the blending of Chandon sparkling wines. Rarely planted outside of the Champagne region in France, Pinot Meunier is pursued by only the most adventurous winemakers.

Domaine Chandon's experience growing Carneros Pinot Meunier for its sparkling wine programs over the past three decades provides unique insight and allows the winemaking team to capture the full potential of this variety to create an exceptional wine. Its distinctive character deserves a place on every wine lover's table. First made in 1989, the 2010 Pinot Meunier continues Domaine Chandon's proud tradition of pioneering unique wine styles. Search for this wine and you will be rewarded with a rare treasure.

VINTAGE NOTES
A dry and cold spring coupled with a warm summer produced low yields. Early frosts also contributed to lower yields in some vineyards, causing the entire crop to be down 20-50%. The 90-degree temperatures in early September meant that the light crop ripened very quickly causing a very compressed harvest. Quantity was down compared to historical average, but the quality of our Pinot Meunier was very good.

TASTING NOTES
The wine opens with bright fruit aromas on the nose lead by dominant notes of Santa Rosa plum, hibiscus and hints of cola nut. On the palate, the wine is mouth watering, deliciously fresh and approachable, as flavors of raspberry, boysenberry, and a trace of briar and juniper are carried on supple tannins for a sexy, satisfying texture. The 2010 vintage is distinguished by medium term barrel aging and the utilization of whole cluster fermentation, which introduces subtle spice and increased vibrancy.

FOOD & WINE PAIRING
This wine is exceptionally versatile for its ideal weight and tannic structure. Pair Pinot Meunier with olives, hard cheeses, burgers, grilled vegetables or creamy polenta.

VINTAGE: 2010
HARVEST DATE: September 2010
APPELLATION: Carneros
AGING: 10 months, 100% French oak, 20% new
ALCOHOL: 14.5%