Meursault Wine: Everything you need to know

Meursault is one of the 3 appellations of the golden triangle of Burgundy.. With Chassagne Montrachet and Puligny Montrachet, this triangle is place where you’ll find the world’s very finest whites.

Here is our guide to this unbelievable appellation.

How to pronounce?

Muhr – Saw

Where is Meursault?

Meursault is the name of a village in the heart of Burgundy. It is just about halfway between Paris and Lyon, in the French department of the Cote d’Or.

It’s a tiny appellation spreading over just under 400 hectares, which is basically 2km by 2 km…

What are the main grape varieties of Meursault?

Meursault is mainly renown for its white wines but it also produces reds.

The grape variety for whites is Chardonnay, while the reds are produced from Pinot Noir.

There are 2 levels of Meursault.

Meursault in both red and white has 2 different levels: village and 1er Cru.

Although the wines of Meursault are unbelievable, there are no Grand Crus in this appellation.

“Meursault Village” will be presented as just Meursault but it can also be presented alongside the name of the vineyard, the “Lieu-dit”.

So you could have Meursault from Domaine des Comte Lafon. Here the wine can be made from grapes grown anywhere in the appellation.

Then the village wine with the lieu-dit for example Meursault Les Narvaux from the Domaine Vincent Girardin. In this case the grapes must come solely from that vineyard.

Then there is “Meursault 1er Cru”.

These wines will state “1er Cru” on the label as well as the name of the vineyard, also known as the “climat”.

For example Meursault 1er Cru Les Poruzots, from the Domaine Jobard.

What’s the typical nose of Meursault wines?

White Meursault is made entirely with Chardonnay just like most Burgundy whites but the typical style of Meursault is to have intense, rich, oaky white wines.

Think: Apple, Peach, Hazelnut, Brioche.

With ageing, you’ll find the wonderful aromas of dried fruit, honey developing as well.

The red Meursaults will show a delicate nose of Pinot Noir: aromas such as black and red fruit, liquorice, undergrowth and spices.

What does Meursault taste like?

For the whites:
Think of big, full, intense rich white wine that will typically be rather oaked.

These are wines that can age thanks to their high acidity and sweetness.

For the reds: there the mouthfeel is round, supple, with a medium to high acidity and tannin, and medium fruity sweetness.

What food to pair with Meursault

I personally I am not a fan of Meursault paired with seafood.

I feel the intensity of the wine overpowers seafood served simply.

Now, add some creaminess and everything changes.. Especially if you have some spices or mushrooms.

Delicate curry, saffron, truffles, morels in creamy sauces with poultry, seafood or fish and you’ll be going to heaven and back.

Creamy, washed rind cheeses are also particularly superb alongside a Meursault, especially with a bit of age.

For the reds, I think delicate meats such as veal or very lean cuts of beef are particularly interesting.

What tastes similar?

Now, if White Meursault is your thing, I recommend you try the neighbouring appellations of Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet.

Puligny, typically will be sharper, more compact. Chassagne on the other hand is slightly lighter than Meursault and more delicate.

If you want to splash out and really go all out, get yourself a bottle of Le Montrachet and Batard-Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, Bienvenues-Montrachet, Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet.

If you’re looking at more affordable options, I’d recommend Auxey-Duresses which is a wonderful appellation. Some of it’s Lieux Dits that border Meursault such as Les Vireux, Les Boutonniers or la Macabrée are truly wonderful.
For the reds, Monthelie and Auxey-Duresses will be great go-to appellations.