Meursault is a name that resonates with wine enthusiasts around the world. Renowned for its rich, buttery, and oaky white wines, the Burgundy appellation is actually more rich and diverse than it seems.
So, why are the wines of Meursault so appreciated? What are the grape varieties and terroirs of the appellation? What can you expect in a tasting?
You will discover all this and much more through this article.Happy reading!
Summary
History of Wine in Meursault
Located in Côte d'Or, a few kilometers south of Beaune, the Meursault appellation enjoys a beautiful neighborhood : Puligny-Montrachet to the south, Volnay and Monthélie to the north as well as Auxey-Duresses and Saint-Aubin to the west.
The beginning of the presence of vineyards in the region probably dates back to the 1st century AD. Indeed, we know that in the year 92, the Roman emperor Domitian decreed the uprooting of part of the Burgundian vineyard, in order to avoid any competition with "Italian" production.
Two centuries later, Emperor Probus would annul this decree, thus allowing the inhabitants to redevelop their vineyard little by little.
In the 6th century, the significant rise of Christianity also contributed to the development of the vineyard in Burgundy. Indeed, the cultivation of the vine was then necessary in order to meet the sacred needs of the abbeys.
In 1098, the first mention of the Murisaltien vineyard (of Meursault) appears. Duke Eudes I of Burgundy then donated some of his vines to the newly established Abbey of Cîteaux (now Château de Cîteaux), located in Meursault. Several donations would follow, allowing the monastery to hold a significant vineyard.
From the 13th century onwards, Meursault experienced significant commercial growth thanks to the Parisian markets and exports to certain Northern countries.
In the 19th century, Meursault wines were 95% red. Indeed, only a few rare plots produced white wine from Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc (the distinction between the two grape varieties not yet being made).
In the 19th century, several crises followed one another: downy mildew (microscopic fungus) and phylloxera (insect) then decimated the vineyard and radically changed its face. Indeed, beyond the modification of many cultural practices, it was following these terrible crises that the vineyard was predominantly replanted in white with the Chardonnay grape variety.
Finally, the 20th century was ultimately the era of emergence for Meursault.The Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée will be officially created in 1937 and despite the crises related to the two world wars, these decades will be those of commercial development, increased quality as well as the international influence of the name Meursault.
The vineyard of the AOC Meursault
Today, the Meursault appellation consists of 391 hectares composed of 97% Chardonnay and 3% Pinot Noir.
If the vineyard does not have any Grand Cru, 20 Premier Cru climates are identified, representing just under 30% of the total area of the plantations. Some names of these plots inevitably evoke fond memories for enthusiasts, such as Genevrières, Charmes, Gouttes d'Or, or even Perrières or Porusot.
From a terroir perspective, the vines are located between 280m and 380m in altitude, and the soils of the appellation are clay-limestone. Nevertheless, many nuances exist.Some plots are indeed very calcareous while others have a significant proportion of marl, thus promoting a beautiful diversity of expressions.
Finally, the region has a temperate climate with hot summers and cold winters. The temperature variations are therefore quite pronounced between the two seasons.
Thanks to these different terroir specificities and the expertise of local winemakers, the Meursault appellation allows the creation of some of the most beautiful Chardonnays in the world!
The wines of the AOC Meursault
When one thinks of Meursault, the image of white wines with generous body and offering notes of butter, hazelnut, and sweet spices immediately comes to mind. While this type of gourmet and consensual cuvées indeed still represents the majority of local production, another school exists nonetheless.
Indeed, the white wines of the region are also capable of offering a lot of finesse and minerality. Based on this premise, many winemakers, particularly those of the new generation, are gradually turning towards more measured oak aging, allowing the true essence of Chardonnay to be rediscovered with fewer artifices. These two visions coexist, thus allowing to offer enthusiasts a superb taste diversity.
Thus, while some wines exhibit a generous body as well as a very seductive oaky and vanilla aspect, others will evolve towards citrus fruits and present a chalky side as well as notes of white flowers like hawthorn and linden... all in finesse!
In any case, Meursault wines often require a few years of rest and are, for the premier crus of the appellation, delicious age-worthy wines.
Which dishes with a Meursault ?
You are now very well informed about Meursault and its wines! All that remains is to jump from theory to practice by serving yourself a delicious Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, which this divine appellation holds the secret to.
Cheers!
