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The origins of the Meursault vineyard date back to Antiquity, when the Romans introduced the vine on the well-exposed slopes of the Côte de Beaune. The village, whose name is thought to derive from muris saltus ("the leap of the mouse" or "the fortified place"), benefited early on from favorable natural conditions: clay-limestone soils, gentle slopes, and a temperate climate. The vines gradually developed there, laying the foundations for a lasting winemaking tradition.
In the Middle Ages, Meursault experienced decisive growth under the influence of religious orders, notably the Cistercian and Benedictine monks, who structured the vineyard and refined the understanding of the terroirs.The wines produced at this time are mostly light, sometimes comparable to whites or very lightly colored wines, and already enjoy a solid reputation at the courts. Meursault is gradually establishing itself as a leading winegrowing village within the Duchy of Burgundy.
Much later, in the 19th century, Meursault enjoys strong commercial recognition. Nevertheless, like the entire Burgundy vineyard, the vines are severely affected by the phylloxera crisis at the end of the century. However, replanting on American rootstocks, carried out rigorously, allows the vineyard to be restructured on a more qualitative basis. It is also at this time that Meursault's identity as a great terroir for white wines made from Chardonnay is definitively established.
The official recognition of the Meursault Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée took place in 1937. This major milestone then guarantees compliance with a strict set of specifications and an established production code, protecting the authenticity of Meursault wines and firmly establishing the appellation in the French wine heritage.
Today, Meursault is unanimously recognized as one of the greatest white wine villages in Burgundy. Its wines, sought after worldwide, combine power, breadth, and depth, all paired with remarkable finesse and minerality. Driven by committed winemakers, the vineyard continues to evolve towards greater precision, while remaining true to an identity forged by centuries of history.
The vineyard of the Meursault appellation is mainly based on clay-limestone soils, a composition particularly favorable for producing white wines that are both structured, elegant, and balanced. These soils play an essential role in the wine's ability to express aromatic richness and depth, while maintaining a beautiful freshness.
Located in the heart of Burgundy, on the Côte de Beaune, the appellation also benefits from a temperate climate and varied exposures. The hillsides, mostly facing east, promote a gradual and even ripening of Chardonnay as well as Pinot Noir (very little present), an essential condition for the consistent quality of the wines produced on this terroir.
Parcels located at altitude or on the upper slopes, particularly above the village and towards the Blagny areas, rest on thinner, more calcareous soils. These climates give rise to wines that are more taut and marked by minerality, thus offering a striking contrast with the cuvées from the lower slopes, which are often more opulent. Iconic climates such as Les Perrières, for example, perfectly illustrate this chiselled and stony expression of the terroir.
All of these geographical and geological variations give Meursault a remarkably rich palette of expressions, where each climate brings its own nuance, while fitting into a common identity characterized by depth, balance, and precision.
The Meursault appellation occupies a unique place in Burgundy: the commune in fact has no Grand Cru, but stands out for a remarkable concentration of 19 climates classified as Premier Cru. These plots, precisely defined within the vineyard, reflect the diversity of Meursault's terroirs and contribute greatly to the reputation of its white wines.
The classification as Premier Cru is based on a system specific to Burgundy appellations. This hierarchy makes it possible to identify the nuances of terroir and the qualitative potential of the different localities.In Meursault, these climates are mainly distributed on the hillsides, often located above the village, and benefit from exposures as well as soils favorable to the expression of Chardonnay.
Among the most renowned Premier Crus are:
Considered by many as the greatest terroir of Meursault, Les Perrières is based on very stony soils, rich in limestone scree, with little clay. This composition gives the white wine a remarkable tension, a sharp minerality, and great aromatic precision. Meursault wines from this climate stand out for their purity, finesse, and length, often more austere in their youth but capable of superb complexity over time.
Located on a well-exposed hillside, Les Genevrières benefits from balanced clay-limestone soils, promoting optimal ripening of the Chardonnay. The wines combine breadth, elegance, and depth, with a silky texture and aromas of ripe white fruits, flowers, and sometimes slightly spicy notes. This is a terroir renowned for its balance between richness and finesse, offering cuvées that are immediately appealing while retaining great aging potential.
Les Charmes vineyard extends over soils richer in clay, especially in the area known as Dessus, resulting in generous and expressive wines.The Meursault wines from this Premier Cru are characterized by their roundness, their indulgentsmoothness and their enveloping texture, with aromas of ripe fruit and sometimes fresh butter. Less austere than Les Perrières, they appeal with their accessibility and immediate charm, while also gaining in complexity with age.
Beyond these three emblematic Premier Crus, Meursault also has other major climats that fully contribute to the richness of the appellation. The cuvées from Poruzots stand out, for example, for their structure and power, Les Gouttes d’Or for their finesse and floral expression, while Les Bouchères and certain sectors of Blagny offer wines that are more taut, precise, and mineral. This diversity of Premiers Crus perfectly illustrates the complexity of Meursault's terroirs and the ability of Chardonnay to reveal all their nuances, from the most generous to the most chiselled.
In Meursault, the style of the wines is distinguished by a remarkable diversity of expressions, closely linked to the richness and variety of its terroirs. While the appellation is best known for its great white wines made from Chardonnay, it actually offers several stylistic interpretations, ranging from generous and enveloping cuvées to more taut and mineral wines. More confidential, the red wines also complete the identity palette of the vineyard.
The Meursault appellation is world-renowned for its great white wines made from Chardonnay, offering a wide range of expressions. Depending on the terroirs and climates, Meursault whites can be ample and generous, with rich textures marked by aromas of ripe fruit, fresh butter, hazelnut, and sometimes honey. These profiles, often from the lower slopes and more clayey soils, embody the most emblematic and indulgent style of the appellation.
Conversely, certain "Premier Cru" climates located higher on the slope or on more limestone soils, such as Les Perrières, Les Bouchères or certain sectors of Blagny, often give rise to more taut, straight, and mineral wines. These Meursaults stand out for their aromatic precision and a pronounced sensation of freshness. They are sometimes more reserved in their youth but gain great depth over time, illustrating a more vertical and chiselled interpretation of Chardonnay.
Between these two expressions are many wines with magnificent balance, capable of combining roundness, energy, and complexity. First Growths such as Les Genevrières or Les Charmes perfectly embody this harmony, offering wines that are both expressive, elegant, and persistent, accessible relatively early while retaining real potential for development.
Although very much in the minority, red wine from Meursault, made from Pinot Noir, represents an interesting facet of the vineyard. The red cuvées are generally produced in very small quantities and come from plots often located on slopes facing east or southeast. These conditions offer optimal ripening for Pinot Noir, resulting in fine, elegant, and delicate wines, where red fruits blend with subtle notes of spice and sometimes undergrowth.
Meursault reds are distinguished by a supple structure and controlled acidity, making them pleasant to drink relatively young, while still offering some aging potential for the highest quality cuvées. Certain "Premier Cru" plots, such as vines from Blagny, can for example produce more lively red wines, with fine tannins and notable aromatic depth.
In summary, although less well-known than the white wines of the vineyard, the reds of the Meursault AOC bring a welcome diversity to the appellation and appeal to lovers of refined and concentrated cuvées.
As seen, the white wines from the Meursault appellation are distinguished by their richness as well as their balance between roundness and freshness. These qualities naturally make them perfect companions for refined cuisine.
The generous and opulent cuvées, often from the lower slopes and more clayey soils, will pair perfectly with fish in sauce, creamy poultry dishes or soft cheeses such as Brillat-Savarin or Chaource.
Conversely, the more taut and mineral wines, originating from high-altitude climates or limestone terroirs such as Les Perrières or Les Bouchères, will prove to be sublime with seafood, grilled fish, shellfish or light dishes based on green vegetables, highlighting the freshness and minerality of the wine.
The red Meursaults, although in the minority, offer more original pairing opportunities. Their delicate red fruit notes and supple tannins make them compatible with roast poultry, grilled white meats or mushroom-based dishes.These reds can also surprise by subtly accompanying certain slightly spicy dishes, where their finesse balances the heat.
In order to fully enjoy the complexity of Meursault, serving the whites is ideally done between 11 and 13°C, allowing both the fruit, texture, and minerality to be revealed. The reds, on the other hand, will benefit from being served slightly chilled at around 14 to 16°C, which enhances their elegance.
Thanks to this range of pairings and careful attention to temperature, Meursault wines prove to be versatile and refined, capable of accompanying everyday meals as well as more festive occasions.
The white wines of Meursault and those of the Chablis AOC are often compared and contrasted by wine enthusiasts. Both appellations build their identity on the Chardonnay grape variety, and both are part of the Burgundy region. Nevertheless, the two vineyards represent two very different visions of the same grape variety. This comparison thus helps to understand how the terroir, climate, and winemaking techniques radically influence the style of a wine, even when it is the same grape variety.
The wines of Meursault are mainly characterized by their fullness, richness, and creamy texture.Clay-limestone soils, combined with well-exposed hillsides and aging often in oak barrels, give the wines here aromas of ripe white fruits, hazelnut, butter, and sometimes honey, as well as beautiful complexity and roundness. These cuvées captivate with their opulence and elegance, offering a balance between aromatic richness and freshness.
Conversely, Chablis, located further north in the Yonne, produces wines that are much more mineral and taut, thanks to its unique terroir dominated by limestone and Kimmeridgian soils and a cooler climate. Chablis wines are distinguished by their lively acidity, verticality, and chalky minerality, with aromas of lemon, green apple, or white flowers.These wines are renowned for their freshness, precision, and ability to pair with seafood and delicate fish, whereas Meursaults are more suited to richer dishes.
These two appellations are often contrasted because they represent two different visions in the expression of Chardonnay: Meursault embodies generous and opulent Chardonnay, while Chablis represents pure, mineral, and taut Chardonnay. This contrast perfectly illustrates the importance of terroir and climate in defining a wine's style, even within a single wine region such as Burgundy.
Selecting a quality Meursault is based on several essential criteria.
First of all, the climate or the choice of a specific Premier Cru plays a decisive role: plots such as Les Perrières, Les Charmes, or Les Genevrières produce wines with distinct profiles, ranging from mineral finesse to richness and roundness.
The mastery of vinification and aging carried out by the estate is also essential: wines aged in oak barrels in a measured way thus reveal elegance and complexity without masking the fruit or freshness.
The vintage can also influence the style, with some being warmer and more opulent and others cooler and more taut. Nevertheless, it is especially important to favor wines from winemakers recognized for their consistent quality as well as their respect for the terroir.
To meet these needs, La Cave Éclairée offers a carefully selected range of Meursault, with clear information on each wine, its characteristics, and its origin. We also guarantee fast and careful delivery, fair and competitive prices, as well as a simple and transparent online shopping experience. Whether you are looking for a wine for a tasting, a meal, or a gift, La Cave Éclairée makes your choice easier by highlighting quality, traceability, and reliable advice, so that every bottle of Meursault is a true pleasure !
The Meursault appellation includes many estates that contribute to its reputation in Burgundy. Each brings its own signature and style.
Among the most renowned estates, the Jacques Prieur estate is a true favorite. Established in Meursault since 1868, this family-owned house combines a prestigious heritage with a resolutely modern approach. In 1988, it partnered with the Labruyère family, creating a collaboration that has strengthened its international reputation. With 21 hectares spread across the finest terroirs of the Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuits, the estate boasts an exceptional heritage: 8 Grands Crus, 14 Premiers Crus, and 5 monopole plots. This heritage is enhanced by oenologist Nadine Gublin and vineyard manager Daniel Godefroy, who craft wines of great purity, where the elegance of Chardonnay and the depth of Pinot Noir are revealed with balance, complexity, and brilliance, vintage after vintage.
Other iconic properties are also present in the appellation, such as Domaine Coche-Dury, Jean-Claude Boisset, Domaine Matrot, Louis Latour, Michel Bouzereau et Fils, and Domaine Laurent Père et Fils.
As you will have understood, the Meursault AOC represents the excellence of Burgundy white wines, combining finesse, complexity, and elegance. Its vineyard, organized around multiple climates and estates, offers an exceptional diversity of terroirs, ranging from village cuvées to the most renowned Premiers Crus. The soils, climate, and expertise of the producers here give rise to wines rich in aromas, with a silky texture and remarkable aging potential, making each bottle a true expression of the appellation.
On our website La Cave Éclairée, you can easily discover and choose your Meursault from a selection of prestigious estates, explore the different climates, take advantage of our expert advice, and benefit from home delivery or pick-up point service. Our prices are also competitive, allowing you to enjoy the quality of the Meursault vineyard with complete peace of mind.
Browse our selection now and order your Meursault! Of course, we also offer red and white wines from the best Burgundy appellations (Beaune, Gevrey-Chambertin, Chablis, etc.) as well as wines from the finest wine regions of France such as the Loire, Alsace, Beaujolais, and the Rhône Valley. Enjoy your tasting !
Meursault is a name that resonates with wine lovers all over the world. Renowned for its rich, buttery, and oaky white wines, the Burgundy appellation is actually more rich and...
Meursault is a name that resonates with wine lovers all over the world. Renowned for its rich, buttery, and oaky white wines, the Burgundy appellation is actually more rich and...
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...
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