Meursault: the heart of white Burgundy

Together with the renowned wine regions of Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet, Meursault forms the beating heart of the Côte de Beaune. Meursault is the largest of the three and is known for its full-bodied and rich Chardonnay wines. Unlike Puligny and Chassagne, Meursault has no grand cru vineyards, but this does not diminish the quality. Meursault's high reputation comes from the outstanding premier cru and village wines produced here.

Characteristics of Meursault wine

The wines from Meursault are almost exclusively made from the Chardonnay grape and are known for their full flavor and freshness. French sommeliers often describe them with the words “beurre et noisettes,” meaning butter and hazelnut. This rich flavor profile is further refined through aging in oak barrels, which adds extra complexity and aging potential to the wine.

The unique terroir of Meursault wines

What makes Meursault so special is the terroir. The soil in this region consists of a mix of clay, limestone, and marl, providing the perfect foundation for the Chardonnay grape. The cool climate allows for slow ripening, resulting in wines with an excellent balance between freshness and complexity. Even within Meursault, there are differences in the soil, with some vineyards, especially the premier crus, producing more elegant wines.

The best premier cru vineyards of Meursault

The best premier cru vineyards in Meursault include Les Perrières, Les Charmes, and Les Genevrières. These wines are known for their complexity and aging potential, often surpassing the quality of some grand cru wines from other regions.

Flavor profile of Meursault

Meursault wines have a distinctive buttery texture with notes of hazelnut, vanilla, and ripe yellow fruits such as peach and apple. Thanks to aging in oak barrels, these wines often have subtle hints of toasted bread and brioche, adding to their complexity. However, the wine always retains a fresh acidity, which ensures a beautiful balance in the flavor.

Aromas: butter, (hazel)nuts, vanilla, honey, blossom, and sometimes brioche
Taste: full-bodied, buttery, with hints of yellow fruit and a fresh citrus note

Why Meursault is a special wine

Meursault is often considered one of the best white wines in the world, partly due to the small size of the region and the variation in microclimates. This gives each wine a unique character. The high cost of land in Burgundy and the intensive methods of wine production contribute to the price, but also ensure the exceptional quality of every bottle.

In addition to white wine, Meursault also produces a small percentage of red wine, made from Pinot Noir. These red wines are rare and make up only 5% of the total production.

Meursault and food pairings

Meursault is an excellent wine to serve as an aperitif, but it also pairs well with rich fish dishes, poultry, and creamy cheeses. Due to its buttery texture and fresh acidity, Meursault also complements dishes with asparagus or goat cheese. Always ensure that the wine is not served too cold, ideally between 12 and 14 degrees Celsius, so that the aromas can fully develop.