Stargazer Rada – Pinot Meunier + Pinot Noir 2023

Where does the name Meunier come from? “Meunier is a clonal mutation of Pinot Noir and is recognised viticulturally for its delicate web of white hairs on the underside of its leaves – resembling a fine dusting of flour (Meunier is French for miller)” – Samantha Connew – Owner of Stargazer.

Interestingly Samantha named this wine as a tip of the hat to Rada Penfold Collins, who in the 70’s represented Penfolds PR department and was perhaps Australia’s first female wine columnist, writing for the Sydney Morning Herald.

The Pinot Meunier for this wine is sourced from Pipers Brook region in the North East of Tasmania. That region of course is synonymous with sparkling wine production hence how she managed to find some. The blend in 2023 is 51% Pinot Meunier 49% Pinot Noir. 90& of the fruit was destemmed, with the remainder left as whole bunches. 40% of the Pinot Noir was co-fermented with the Pinot Meunier. Pressed off to tank then racked off gross lees into seasoned French puncheons. Elevage for 5 months on fine lees.