Black Riesling / Pinot Meunier grape variety

Schwarzriesling, also known as Pinot Meunier or Müllerrebe, is a red grape variety that is mainly native to France and Germany. In France, it plays an important role as a traditional component of the cuvée in Champagne in particular, while in southern Germany it is also often found as a rather simple, single-varietal still wine. In terms of flavour and quality, Pinot Meunier can be described as the little brother of Pinot Noir. It does not achieve the complexity and depth of its big brother, but delivers wines that are rich in acidity, not too alcoholic and rather light in colour. This - as well as its relative resilience to frost and cold - explains its particular suitability for sparkling wines. As a still wine, it delivers good drinking and everyday wine quality with mostly beautiful blackberry or cherry fruit and refreshing acidity. However, it is usually out of place on the fine dining table.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Schwarzriesling wine

What characterises the Schwarzriesling grape variety?

Schwarzriesling, also known as Pinot Meunier, is characterised by its fresh acidity, moderate alcohol levels and rather light colour. Aromatically, it offers juicy notes of blackberry and cherry without reaching the depth and complexity of Pinot Noir. Its character is uncomplicated, fruity and accessible, making it particularly suitable for sparkling wines and light, everyday still wines. Its frost resistance and robustness also emphasise its versatility in cultivation.

Where is Schwarzriesling mainly grown?

In Germany, the largest areas under cultivation are in Württemberg, followed by the Palatinate and Baden. Internationally, Schwarzriesling is best known in Champagne, where it plays a central role in many cuvées as Pinot Meunier.

What does a typical Schwarzriesling taste like?

A classic Schwarzriesling has a fruity, velvety and light flavour. Typical flavours are red berries such as strawberry, raspberry and cherry, accompanied by a subtle almond or herbal note. Depending on the ageing process, the flavour ranges from uncomplicated and fresh to complex and profound.

What are the characteristic features of Schwarzriesling?

- Elegant fruitiness

- Soft tannins and mild acidity

- Delicate spiciness, often with almond or herbal notes

- Versatility: from light red wines to stronger varieties matured in wooden barrels

What dishes does Schwarzriesling go well with?

Schwarzriesling is a real food companion. It harmonises particularly well with:

- Poultry (e.g. duck or goose)

- Pork and veal

- Mushroom dishes and pasta with cream sauce

- Mild cheeses

- Light Mediterranean cuisine

How long can you store Schwarzriesling?

Light varieties are intended to be enjoyed fresh for the first 2-4 years. However, wines matured in wooden barrels can develop favourably over 5-8 years or longer.

What is the difference between Schwarzriesling and Pinot Noir?

Both belong to the Burgundy family, but differ in nuances:

- Pinot Noir: stronger, more complex, often with more tannin and structure.

- Black Riesling (Pinot Meunier): softer, fruitier, more accessible.

How should you serve Schwarzriesling?

Best served slightly chilled at 14-16 °C. This brings out its fruit and elegance perfectly. For stronger varieties from wooden barrels, it can also be a little warmer.

What are the best vintages for Schwarzriesling?

Very good qualities come from warm, sunny years. In Germany, 2015, 2018, 2019 and 2020 are particularly noteworthy. These vintages have produced ripe, aromatic grapes that show the typical character of Schwarzriesling particularly well.

How is Schwarzriesling produced?

After the harvest, the grapes are destemmed and fermented on the skins to extract colour and aromas. The wine is then matured according to the desired style:

- In stainless steel tanks: fruity, fresh, light.

- In wooden barrels or barriques: stronger, with fine flavour and ageing potential.

Discover more grape varieties for red wines.

Frühburgunder

Frühburgunder, also known as Pinot Madeleine, is a red grape variety that is closely related to Pinot Noir. It is also cultivated in France, but mainly in Germany. The grape ripens - nomen est omen - earlier than Pinot Noir and produces somewhat richer wines with velvety tannins and good acidity.

Regent

Regent is a new red variety from Germany. It was developed in the late 1960s, primarily with the aim of creating a high-yielding and disease-resistant red variety - and it was quite successful.

Barbera

Barbera is the most widely cultivated red grape variety in the northern Italian region of Piedmont - but is also widespread in Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. It produces fruity, accessible red wines with an intense ruby red colour and aromas of red fruits, cherries, plums and spices. They are medium-bodied on the palate, with moderate tannins and lively acidity even when fully ripe.

Aglianico

Aglianico is one of the oldest grape varieties from southern Italy. The first written evidence of its cultivation dates back to the 16th century. It produces high-quality wines with a deep ruby to garnet red colour and a rich, multi-layered bouquet.

Grenache

Grenache is a red grape variety grown mainly in southern France and Spain (where it is known as Garnacha). The wines are typically medium to full-bodied, with low tannins and high acidity.

Mourvèdre/Monastrell

Mourvèdre is a red grape variety that is mainly grown in the south of France and Spain, where it is known as Monastrell. The wines are deep-coloured, medium to full-bodied, with high, often rough tannins when young and moderate to high acidity.

Elbling

Elbling is a very old white grape variety with a long history that is mainly cultivated in Germany, particularly along the upper Moselle. The wines are light, fresh and sparkling, with a strong, marked acidity and low alcohol content - which makes Elbling particularly interesting as a base wine for sparkling wines.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is one of the best-known white grape varieties in France. It actually originated in the Loire - but is now cultivated worldwide as the second most important noble variety after Chardonnay. New Zealand in particular has become the second home of Sauvignon Blanc.

Weißburgunder

The Pinot Blanc grape - called Pinot Blanc in France and Pinot Bianco in Italy - is the lightest-coloured member of the large Burgundy family. The variety produces fresh, fruity wines whose acidity can vary from moderate to strong depending on the style and which develop delicate fruit flavours such as apples, pears or citrus fruits, often complemented by nutty notes such as almonds.

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a white grape variety that originated in the French Loire Valley and is known for its versatility. Chenin can be vinified both dry and sweet, still and sparkling. Its flavour is characterised by high acidity and lots of fruit such as green apple, pear or quince, often complemented by honey notes. Depending on the terroir and vinification, the grape can also show both mineral and floral tones.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is the most widely cultivated white premium grape variety. Its origins probably lie in Burgundy, but today it is grown all over the world. One of the reasons for its success is its enormous ability to adapt to a wide range of conditions.

Airén

The Spanish grape variety Airén is one of the most widely cultivated white grapes in the world. It is particularly adaptable and resistant to drought, robust against most vine diseases and is considered to be high-yielding even on poor soils.

Here you can find information on other grape varieties.