Meursault AOP
Meursault, home of Chardonnay and capital of Burgundy white wines
In the heart of the Côte de Beaune, a prestigious Burgundy vineyard, Meursault transcends Chardonnay, the grape variety at the origin of the great Burgundy white wines of which Chablis, Corton-Charlemagne or Montrachet are also part, to name but a few. The Meursault appellation is spread out over a unique terroir, largely in this commune dotted with opulent châteaux, witnesses of its rich history. The white wines of Meursault always benefit from an excellent reputation, which largely exceeds the borders of the country. Classified as Village and Village Premier Cru, these wines are distinguished by their aromatic power and richness. No Grand Cru in Meursault, but its wines and its multiple Climats express all the magic of this soil.
General presentation of the appellation
Meursault is situated on the road to the Grands Crus, the Champs-Elysées of Burgundy which stretch out on either side of Beaune, in the Côte d'Or. Between Volnay and Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault is one of those enchanting villages of Burgundy, shaped by the vine and centuries of history.
South of the capital of Burgundy wines, Meursault is a communal appellation of the Côte de Beaune. If the pinot noir blossoms fully in this prestigious vineyard, in Meursault, it is the chardonnay which is king. As in Corton, this grape variety works wonders here, so much so that Meursault is often called the "capital of Burgundy white wines".
The Meursault vineyard covers nearly 400 hectares, more than 95% of which are devoted to the cultivation of Chardonnay. A few plots are planted with pinot noir, but the production of red wine in Meursault remains very confidential.
The Meursault appellation also has 19 Climats classified as Premier Cru, including the Goutte d'Or, the Genevrières, the Charmes and the prestigious Les Perrières, considered a Grand Cru by wine lovers. Numerous lieux-dits are also listed by the AOC. All these parcels offer specific characteristics to the wines they produce.
Characteristics of Meursault
The white wine Meursault AOC is distinguished by its limpid, brilliant colour with a golden-green hue and silver reflections. Its aromas are reminiscent of ripe grapes and are often marked by notes of butter and roasted hazelnuts. They are also adorned with mineral (flint) and floral (hawthorn, elderberry) touches, or even purely vegetal (lime, fern). Honey, citrus fruits and apricots further enrich this bouquet, depending on the plot of land where the wine was born.
The wines of the Meursault appellation are reputed to keep for a long time: 8 to 15 years. The red wines also have a great ageing potential: 5-10 years. Rare and confidential, the red Meursault wines have the same elegance, sublimated by an aromatic power marked by red fruits.
How to taste a Meursault
Generally speaking, we recommend drinking a white Meursault at a temperature of around 13°C. Its aromatic power and balance make it ideal for the most exquisite dishes: foie gras, shellfish such as lobster, scallops, gambas, lobster, etc. It is also a wonderful accompaniment to fish dishes such as trout with almonds or pike quenelles. Poultry in sauce, fine pieces of veal... are also easily accompanied by a white Meursault. If you are tempted by a Meursault red wine and food pairing, choose grilled meats or meats in sauce. It should be drunk at a temperature of between 15 and 17°.
Laissez-vous tenter... par les autres appellations !
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