The Meursault appellation is devoted essentially to white wines, which give Chardonnay one of its finest expressions. Its most famous Premier Cru climats could lay claim to Grand Cru status: Meursault Premier Cru Perrières, Genevrières and Charmes.
Eight kilometres as the crow flies south of Beaune, in the very middle of the vineyard to which it is wholly devoted, the pretty, prosperous town of Meursault, overlooked by the dizzying spire of its Gothic bell tower, reveals a number of architectural masterpieces.
Buildings such as a superb 12th-century leper hospital, recently restored, the town hall with its polychrome roof immortalised by the cult film “La Grande Vadrouille”, and of course the elegant Château de Meursault with its impressive 14th-century vaulted cellars, among the finest in Burgundy.
Each year, on the third Monday of November, the château has the honour of hosting the famous Paulée de Meursault, which brings a splendid close to the Trois Glorieuses of the Hospices de Beaune wine auction.
With more than 400 ha under vine and its AOC obtained in 1937, this village ranks among the largest village appellations of the Côte d’Or.
The Meursault vineyard, which finds its excellence on limestone marl, is devoted essentially to whites, which magnify the expression of Chardonnay more than any other. When the grapes reach perfect ripeness, they give a sensation of richness even though the wine is dry. While their aromatic complexity and opulence make young wines quite easy to approach, Meursault is nonetheless excellently disposed to ageing. Some of its Premiers Crus can defy several decades. Throughout history, the white wines of Meursault have appeared on the most illustrious tables in the world but, thanks to their popularity, on the most modest ones too.
Among its 19 Premier Cru climats, the leading trio consists of Les Perrières, Les Genevrières and Les Charmes, as in this magnificent Meursault Perrières Premier Cru 2009 from Domaine Pierre Morey. Fabulous parcels that could rightly lay claim to the title of “Grand Cru”. The Premiers Crus of Meursault enjoy an exceptional reputation, such as Les Charmes Dessus 2020 from Château de Meursault and Les Genevrières from the Hospices de Beaune.
Meursault sometimes takes on a red hue; the finest example is Volnay Premier Cru Santenots, located in Meursault and not in Volnay as its name suggests. The finest example is the Volnay Premier Cru Santenots Cuvée Gauvain 2018, Hospices de Beaune.
If you are passing through Burgundy, do stop in Meursault, where the lanes, the gardens and the handsome winegrowers’ houses are a real invitation to stroll. Discover our selection of Volnay wines too, the neighbouring appellation of great red wines.
