Masterclass on Meursault
By Claus Donnerstag, Wine expert
In this ShareWine Masterclass, we dive deep into the magical world of Meursault in Burgundy, turning up the nerd factor to explore the chalky subsoil, the commune's distinctive characteristics, its famous vineyards, and must-try producers, both traditional and emerging.
Facts About Meursault
Meursault is located just south of Beaune, in the upper part of Côte de Beaune, which itself forms the lower section of the Côte d'Or. That’s how “simple” it is to locate this world-renowned wine region. But simple and Burgundy don’t often go hand in hand. Within the ShareWine team, we are passionately in love with both drinking and studying the magical white wines from Meursault. It is this love and fascination that inspired this Masterclass.
The wines from Meursault are predominantly white, primarily made from 100% Chardonnay, and are renowned for their richness and creaminess.
Wine has been cultivated here for centuries, with roots tracing back to Roman times. However, it was especially during the 18th and 19th centuries that the region began earning its prestige and recognition.
Geologically, Meursault’s soil is rich in limestone and clay, a key factor in understanding the wines’ character and pronounced minerality. The cool, continental climate also lends freshness and vibrant acidity to the wines.
Classifications
Contrary to popular belief, Meursault does not have any Grand Cru vineyards.
However, it boasts many famous Premier Cru vineyards, covering a total of 134 hectares. These are considered the best vineyards in the commune.
The 5 most notable Premier Crus are:
Les Perrières (13.71 ha)
Les Charmes (31.16 ha)
Les Genevrières (16.48 ha)
Les Gouttes d’Or (5.42 ha)
Les Poruzots (11.16 ha)
In addition, Meursault is home to several renowned lieu-dit vineyards—parcels officially classified as Village status but known for delivering quality far beyond their classification. Our two favorites, where we believe the quality is outstanding, are:
Le Limozin (9 ha), known for its often full-bodied and rich style.
Les Narvaux (17 ha), celebrated for its more structured style and strong mineral core.
Meursault also has 314 hectares of so-called Village vineyards. These include the lieu-dit sites as well as all other vineyards within the commune's boundaries.
The Best Producers
Meursault is home to some of the world's top white wine producers, ranging from historic estates that continue to set the standard to newer domains that have quickly risen to prominence.
Here is a selection of "both types"—producers we believe best interpret Meursault’s majestic terroir and who you should absolutely know:
Domaine Coche-Dury
Domaine des Comtes Lafon
Domaine Roulot
Domaine Pierre Girardin
Domaine Henri Germain
Domaine Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey
The Best Vintages
Over the past three decades, Meursault has enjoyed a string of exceptional vintages. If we were to highlight three of our favorites, they would be:
2011, initially overshadowed by 2010 but revealing itself with age to be a cool, mineral-driven vintage producing incredibly precise wines.
2014, widely regarded as the best modern vintage, offering richness, complexity, and perfect balance.
2017, another phenomenal vintage with fantastic aging potential and incredible drinkability, thanks to its vibrancy, razor-sharp acidity, and minerality that keeps the wines in impeccable harmony.