Meursault Wine

With 437 ha. of vineyards dedicated to Villages and Premier Cru wines, Meursault has the largest area permitted to be planted in white wine in the Cote-d'Or. It is worth noting that the soil throughout most of Meursault is perfectly suited to the production of chardonnay - it is a mixture of marl and chalk, that when combined with a largely east or southeast exposure creates healthy grapes that are full of character. But it is not soil alone that makes Meursault special - it's the confluence of all the factors the French call "terroir. 

One of the most common descriptors associated with Meursault is hazelnuts. So much so that the expectation of hazelnuts is there with the first whiff, the first sip. But, while young Meursault may offer a hint of the nuttiness to come, hazelnut is more often a nuance that develops fully with age, coupled with a honeyed richness and creamy texture that deliciously balance the precise mineral character of Meursault. All together, Meursault evolves as a wine of generosity and refinement.

It's worth mentioning that some of Merusault's best known vineyards are Village-classified wines recognized for their exceptional terroir and subsequently identified by vineyard name, or lieu-dit, on the label. Examples include Narvaux, Meix Chavaux and Tillets, to name a few. And, while there are no Grand Crus in Meursault, many would argue that Perrieres should be elevated, and that Genevrieres and Charmes can attain lofty heights in the hands of the best producers.

Finally a word on the reds. Red Meursaults are rare, but they exist. The most famous of these is from the premier cru climat Santenot, which borders Volnay and is typically bottled as Volnay-Santenots. The best of those bottled as Meursault are rich and wild, with notes of game, licorice and earth.