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The history of the Mercurey vineyard dates back to Antiquity, a period during which the Romans introduced the vine to these hillsides of the Côte Chalonnaise. The very name of the village actually originates from the supposed presence of a temple dedicated to the god Mercury.
In the Middle Ages, viticulture experienced decisive growth. The vineyard developed around the Château de Montaigu, built in the heart of the vines during the 10th century, and benefited from the support of local lordships and religious orders, who then structured the plots and improved cultivation practices.
From the 14th century, the wines of Mercurey gained a solid reputation and were among the wines served at the court of the Dukes of Burgundy, a sign of their quality and growing renown.
In the 20th century, Mercurey gradually established itself as one of the major vineyards of Burgundy. In response to imitations and misuse of the appellation, producers organized to defend the identity of their wines, obtaining legal recognition of the name Mercurey as early as 1923, before the official creation of the Mercurey AOC in 1936. This recognition marked a key stage in enhancing the value of the terroir and its climates through the creation of a strict set of specifications limiting yields.
Today, Mercurey is the largest village appellation of the Côte Chalonnaise, renowned for the quality of its red wines (by far the majority), but also for its indulgentlively and expressive whites. With a significant proportion of Premiers Crus, the appellation reflects all the richness of the local clay-limestone terroirs.
The Côte Chalonnaise is a wine sub-region of Burgundy located south of the famous Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune. It stretches for about 30 kilometers between Chalon-sur-Saône and Mercurey, offering a succession of clay-limestone hillsides mostly facing south and southeast, ideal for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Less renowned than the Côte de Beaune or the Côte de Nuits, the Côte Chalonnaise nevertheless boasts a rich winegrowing heritage, with quality appellations such as Mercurey, Givry, Rully, or Montagny, which produce expressive, complex wines that are often more accessible in terms of price. Its varied terroir and geographical position allow it to offer a fine diversity of red, white, and rosé wines, all marked by the Burgundian typicity and the influence of these well-exposed hillsides.
The terroir of the Mercurey appellation is based on a mosaic of clay-limestone hillsides typical of the Burgundy vineyard.These soils, composed of limestone mixed with more or less deep clays, ensure good drainage while retaining sufficient water reserves, an essential condition for the balance of the wine, particularly for reds.
The Mercurey vineyard also extends over moderate slopes, generally ranging between 230 and 320 meters in altitude. The orientation of the plots, mostly south to southeast, promotes consistent sunlight, while the moderate altitude helps preserve the natural freshness of the grapes. This combination allows for slow and even ripening, which is crucial for the structure and finesse of red wines, while also ensuring the aromatic expression of the white cuvées.
Some plots, located on more limestone hillsides, produce here more taut and precise wines, while areas with a clay-dominated soil offer fleshier and more structured expressions. This geological richness gives the Mercurey appellation a great variety of profiles, making this terroir one of the most complete and distinctive in southern Burgundy.
The Mercurey appellation is planted with the two emblematic grape varieties of Burgundy that shape the identity of its wines: Pinot noir and Chardonnay.
The Pinot noir largely dominates the vineyard and represents the vast majority of production.It gives rise to expressive red wines, with aromas of ripe red and black fruits, sometimes enhanced by spicy notes. Depending on the terroirs and climates, Mercurey reds can be indulgent and accessible, or more structured and deep, especially on the best slopes classified as Premier Cru.
The Chardonnay is the grape variety for the white wines of the appellation, less common but often remarkable. Here, it is expressed in a balanced style, combining roundness and freshness, with aromas of white fruits, flowers, and sometimes a mineral touch linked to the clay-limestone soils. On the best-exposed terroirs, the whites gain in complexity and precision, offering a beautiful interpretation of the Côte Chalonnaise terroir.
The Mercurey AOC is distinguished above all by its red wines, which represent the majority of the appellation's production. Made from Pinot Noir, these wines display an aromatic profile focused on ripe red fruits, complemented by spicy notes and sometimes slightly floral nuances. Depending on the vineyard sectors and the nature of the slopes, the structure can develop greater depth, especially in the climates classified as Premier Cru, where the reds gain in complexity and aging potential.
The white wines of Mercurey, more confidential, nevertheless offer a complementary interpretation of the Côte Chalonnaise terroir.These wines present a harmonious balance between roundness and freshness, with a pronounced mineral expression. These white cuvées faithfully reflect the identity of the appellation and assert a resolutely Burgundian interpretation of the wine.
This duality between reds and whites illustrates the richness of the village of Mercurey and confirms the appellation's place among the essential references of the Burgundy vineyard.
To fully enjoy the aromatic richness of Mercurey wines, it is essential to know how to pair them at the table and serve them under the best conditions.
The "village" cuvées of the Mercurey appellation pair very well with simple and generous everyday cuisine, such as roast poultry or a slow-cooked dish with seasonal vegetables, bringing pleasure to the table without unnecessary complexity. The Premier Crus in red, structured and powerful, are ideally suited for pairings with red meat and game.
From a service perspective, we recommend serving these wines slightly chilled, between 14-16°C, to reveal all their aromas without weighing them down. Additionally, do not hesitate to decant your bottle 30 to 60 minutes before serving to release all the aromas.
On their side, the white wines of Mercurey, balancing roundness and freshness, pair harmoniously with fish, seafood, and poultry with cream-based sauces for the richer and fattier ones. Mercurey white also pairs particularly well with creamy and milky cheeses, such as Brillat-Savarin or Chaource, whose softness matches its roundness and freshness. It also goes very well with uncooked pressed cheeses like young Comté or Saint-Nectaire, as well as certain aged goat cheeses.
From a service perspective, we recommend a temperature of 10-12°C to reveal the freshness and roundness of Mercurey white wine.Just like for red wine, a decanting can be beneficial for recent years.
In order to preserve the full quality of your cuvées from the Mercurey appellation, it is essential to ensure they are kept in suitable storage conditions.
Indeed, all wine bottles should ideally be stored horizontally in a cool place, away from light and temperature fluctuations. A consistent humidity level (70-80%) also contributes to the proper preservation of cork stoppers and promotes a harmonious evolution of your precious bottles.
Buying a Mercurey online requires a rigorous selection in order to fully appreciate the diversity of choices within the appellation, whether it is a "village" wine or a Premier Cru cuvée.
At La Cave Éclairée, special attention is given to the selection of Mercurey wines, chosen for their authenticity and their ability to express the identity of Burgundy's terroirs. Each wine offered therefore comes with a complete product sheet designed to assist the customer's choice. You will find clear information on the vintage, the style of the wine, its aging potential, and its aromatic characteristics, to make comparison easier.
We also make it a point to store all our bottles under ideal storage conditions. Strict stock management also ensures the perfect preservation of the bottles. In addition, we offer fair and transparent prices, regular promotions, as well as fast and careful delivery.
The Mercurey appellation covers two villages in the Saône-et-Loire department: Mercurey and Saint-Martin-sous-Montaigu. Within these two municipalities, several "Premier Cru" vineyards stand out, representing the elite of the appellation.
This Premier Cru climat is renowned for producing elegant and balanced wines, often distinguished by a beautiful aromatic finesse. The reds offer fine tannins and lovely freshness, while the whites can be precise and taut. It perfectly illustrates the refined and accessible style of Mercurey.
Historic climat of the appellation, its name reflects its former renown among the elite. Wines from Clos du Roy are generally structured, powerful, and full-bodied, with great aromatic depth and a pronounced tannic structure. These are characterful Mercurey wines, often among the most serious of the appellation.
Located on well-exposed clay-limestone soils, this climat produces expressive and indulgent cuvées, combining ripe fruit and structure. The reds are generous, with beautiful fullness on the palate, while the whites can reveal a lovely roundness balanced by a welcome freshness. A climat that is highly representative of the diversity of Mercurey.
Climat perched on higher areas, Les Crêts produces wines that are often more tense and elegant, marked by freshness and minerality. The reds are finer and more slender, with a delicate aromatic expression, and the whites gain in precision. It offers a more vertical and aerial interpretation of the Mercurey terroir.
Of course, many other Premier Cru climates are also worthy of interest in both villages, such as Clos de Paradis, Clos des Barraults, Les Vasées, and Les Naugues.
The Mercurey appellation relies on several benchmark estates that have greatly contributed to its reputation and the recognition of its qualitative potential, both in Burgundy and internationally.
-Domaine Faiveley occupies, for example, a central place in the modern history of Mercurey.Owner of several plots of old vines, notably on the famous Premier Cru Clos des Myglands, he has worked hard to enhance the best terroirs of the appellation. His wines combine structure, depth, and consistency, with a style that is both serious and accessible.
-Domaine Tupinier-Bautista, family-owned and independent, has established itself as a benchmark for quality over generations. Its wines are distinguished by their purity of fruit, finesse, and clarity, with particular attention paid to viticulture and controlled yields.
-Domaine Michel Juillot is one of the most respected names in Mercurey.Highly committed to defending the identity of the appellation, he produces elegant, balanced, and consistent wines, capable of appealing to both enthusiasts and connoisseurs. His Premier Crus are often cited among the most reliable of the appellation.
-Domaine Raquillet embodies a more artisanal and demanding approach. Known for its low yields and precise work both in the vineyard and the cellar, it produces wines of great intensity, often more structured, with a true ability to reflect the personality of each terroir.
-Château de Chamirey is also one of the most emblematic estates of the Mercurey appellation. Founded at the beginning of the 20th century, it benefits from a long winemaking tradition and recognized expertise in the region. The estate mainly produces elegant and fruity red Mercurey wines, as well as precise and well-balanced whites, perfectly reflecting the typical character of the local clay-limestone terroirs. Its cuvées combine finesse, consistency, and fruit expression, making them essential references for discovering the richness and diversity of the appellation. Also noteworthy is a significant heritage of old vines.
A major appellation of Burgundy, Mercurey truly embodies the richness and diversity of Burgundy’s great terroirs. With an ancient history, a vineyard firmly rooted in its territory, and driven by committed winegrowers, it expresses through its wines an identity that is both authentic and accessible. The reds, dominated by Pinot noir, captivate with their power and depth, while the whites made from Chardonnay offer freshness, balance, and mineral finesse. Furthermore, thanks to the diversity of its climates and its geological richness, the Mercurey appellation and its wines have the ability to accompany a wide range of dishes.
Mercurey thus stands out today as an essential appellation for Burgundy enthusiasts. It serves as an ideal gateway to characterful wines, capable of combining immediate pleasure with a genuine expression of the terroir, while still offering excellent value for money.
Visit our website to make an informed choice! We also offer a wide variety of wines from the best appellations of Burgundy (Chablis, Beaune, Gevrey-Chambertin, etc.) as well as from other vineyards in France (Loire Valley, Alsace, Beaujolais, Rhône Valley, etc.). Enjoy your tasting !
Welcome to Burgundy, a wine-growing region where every drop of wine tells us a story! Located in the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise, Mercurey is part of the region’s magnificent...
Welcome to Burgundy, a wine-growing region where every drop of wine tells us a story! Located in the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise, Mercurey is part of the region’s magnificent...
Whether you are a wine enthusiast or not, you have most likely already heard of Chardonnay. And for good reason, it is the second most widely planted white grape variety...
Whether you are a wine enthusiast or not, you have most likely already heard of Chardonnay. And for good reason, it is the second most widely planted white grape variety...
Cultivated all over the world, Pinot Noir is one of the most appreciated grape varieties among wine enthusiasts, notably for its ability to produce red wines of rare delicacy. While...
Cultivated all over the world, Pinot Noir is one of the most appreciated grape varieties among wine enthusiasts, notably for its ability to produce red wines of rare delicacy. While...
