Location and landscape
Meursault is a commune in the Côte-d'Or department in Burgundy-Franche-Comté and lies south of Beaune in the wine-growing region of Côte de Beaune in the Burgundy. The geographical area of the Meursault appellation is limited to the commune territory. The commune is situated on the Côte hillside, whose local level of terrain shows around a 150-metre difference in elevation.
Climate and soils
The climate is cool-oceanic and is moderated by continental and southern influences along the Rhône-Saône axis. Precipitation is moderate and regular at about 750 millimetres per year; there is no pronounced summer dry spell. The average annual temperature is approximately 10.5 °C. The subsoil consists of alternating Jurassic limestone and marl layers. In the vineyards, weathered marl and limestone stones are found above all; at the foot of the slopes, well-drained clay-gravel deposits can also be seen.
Wines and vineyard sites
Drier white wines are produced mainly from Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc; Aligoté, Melon and Sacy are permitted under specified conditions. Their aromatic profile may include grilled, almond, floral and mineral notes, and is described as being shaped by the interplay of fullness, acidity and ripening potential. Red Meursault wines form a small, rare category and are associated with red fruit aromas, freshness and finesse. The sites mentioned include Clos de la Barre as well as Meursault Premier Cru Les Charmes; Charmes is designated as a Premier Cru climat.
History and cultivation requirements
In 1098, a vineyard near the Château of Meursault was donated to the Abbey of Cîteaux. From later holdings of the Cistercians, a wine cellar was formed, whose preserved vaults date from the 12th century. The Meursault appellation was first recognised on 31 July 1937; in 1943, the French state recognised a list of the Climats authorised for the Premier Cru designation. The Paulée de Meursault dates back to a growers’ meeting from 1923. Cultivation is subject to, among other things, a planting density of at least 9,000 vines per hectare, a prohibition on irrigation, and the keeping of cover crops on at least half of the headlands. The wines must ripen for at least until 15 March of the year following the harvest.
