Mercurey French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Mercurey is the largest and best-known village appellation of the Côte Chalonnaise in Burgundy, producing firm, fruity Pinot Noirs and fine Chardonnays at prices well below the Côte d'Or.
More info about Mercurey
Geographic position
Eastern France, in the Saône-et-Loire department, about 12 km northwest of Chalon-sur-Saône, covering the villages of Mercurey and Saint-Martin-sous-Montaigu, just south of the Côte de Beaune.
Origin & history
The name may come from a Roman temple to Mercury on the old road from Chalon to Autun. Monks of Cluny and the Dukes of Burgundy tended the vines in the Middle Ages. Mercurey became an AOC in 1936 and has 32 Premier Cru climats.
Wines & grape varieties
About 85% red from Pinot Noir, with notes of cherry, raspberry and spice and a firm structure; whites from Chardonnay show citrus, white flowers and hazelnut.
Climate & soil
Semi-continental climate. Clay-limestone and marl slopes facing east and southeast, on Jurassic limestone similar to the Côte d'Or.
Wine region: Burgundy
Grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir