Meursault French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Meursault is one of the great white-wine villages of Burgundy's Côte de Beaune, famous for rich, round, hazelnut-scented Chardonnays that are among the most celebrated in the world.
More info about Meursault
Geographic position
Eastern France, in the Côte-d'Or department, about 8 km southwest of Beaune, between Volnay to the north and Puligny-Montrachet to the south.
Origin & history
Vines were planted here in Roman times, and the Cistercian monks of Cîteaux developed the vineyards from the 11th century. Meursault hosts the famous "Paulée" harvest festival every November during the Trois Glorieuses. It became an AOC in 1937 and has no Grand Cru but celebrated Premiers Crus such as Perrières, Genevrières and Charmes.
Wines & grape varieties
Mainly white from Chardonnay, often aged in oak. Expect butter, hazelnut, toasted almond, ripe pear and citrus, with a creamy texture and long finish. A small amount of red is made from Pinot Noir.
Climate & soil
Semi-continental climate. East-facing slopes of limestone and marl, with white stony soils on the best Premiers Crus.
Wine region: Burgundy
Grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir