| Petit Meslier | |
|---|---|
| Grape (Vitis) | |
| Color of berry skin | Blanc |
| Species | Vitis vinifera |
| Also called | Aubin (more) |
| Origin | France |
| Notable regions | Champagne (wine region) |
| Notable wines | Duval-Leroy Authentis Petit Meslier |
Petit Meslier is a rare white wine grape that is a minor component of some Champagne blends. It is valued for its ability to retain acidity even in hot vintages.[1] In the very rare cases where it is not blended, it makes crisp wines tasting of apples.
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DNA fingerprinting has shown that like Aubin Blanc, Petit Meslier is the result of a cross between Gouais Blanc and Savagnin. Gouais Blanc is aa parent of Chardonnay and Aubin Vert among others, and Savagnin is common in Jura wine (including Vin jaune) and is a variety in the Traminer family which also includes Gewürztraminer. The Swiss variety Amigne also has a parent-offspring relationship with Petit Meslier.[2]
Irvine Wines in the Eden Valley claim to have the only Meslier in Australia. They produce a single varietal sparkling wine, Meslier Brut, and a Pinot Meslier blend.[1]
There are just 20 hectares in France.[1] Duval-Leroy have made a single varietal champagne, the Authentis Petit Meslier, which was criticised by Decanter for over-oaking.[3] Champagne Moutard use 1/6th of Petit Meslier in their unique "Cuvée Six Cépages" : Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Arbane and Petit Meslier.
There's usually a reason why grapes like this are in decline. The Traminer family are notoriously difficult to grow, with poor disease resistance and low yields.
Arbonne, Barnay, Bernais, Bernet, Co De France, Crene, Feuille D'Ozerolle, Hennequin, Lepine, Maille, Maye, Melie, Melie Blanc, Melier, Meslier De Champagne, Meslier Dore, Meslier Petit A Queue Rouge, Meslier Vert, Mornain Blanc, Orbois, Petit Meslier, Petit Meslier A Queue Rouge, Petit Meslier Dore, Queue Rouge, Saint Lye[4]
Other minor Champagne grapes:
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