Meursault: The Elegance of White Wines from the Côte de Beaune
At the Heart of the Côte de Beaune
Located in the heart of the Côte de Beaune, in Burgundy, the Meursault appellation is about 8 kilometers south of Beaune. It encompasses the village of Meursault and a few neighboring plots. These exceptional vineyard lands were developed as early as 1098 by the monks of the Cîteaux Abbey. The Meursault appellation obtained its status as an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in 1937. Although renowned for its white wines, Meursault also produces a small quantity of red wine. Bordered by the prestigious appellations of Volnay to the north and Puligny-Montrachet to the south, Meursault forms a key axis in the production of great white wines, known worldwide. Today, there are 52 lieux-dits within the village appellation and 19 Climats classified as Premier Cru.
The Terroirs of Meursault
The Meursault vineyard finds its excellence on soils rich in limestone, combined with layers of marl and clay, typical of the Côte de Beaune. This unique soil is perfectly suited to the cultivation of Chardonnay. The combination of an east-southeast exposure, the gentle slopes between 230 and 360 meters in altitude, and the limestone composition of the soils gives Meursault wines a subtle balance between power and finesse, contributing to their global reputation.
Unctuousness, Balance, and Complexity
Meursault wines are distinguished by their nuances, which vary according to the Premiers Crus and the different climats. On the palate, these are rich, full-bodied, and creamy wines, with aromas of white fruits and hazelnut, offering a perfect balance between freshness and roundness. The best wines, from Premier Cru climats such as Les Perrières, Les Genevrières, and Les Charmes, improve with time, gaining in complexity and finesse. In short, Meursault wines are among the most prestigious in Burgundy, elegant, generous, and precise, even though the appellation does not have any Grands Crus.
