Meursault AOC

Overview

Meursault is the largest white wine commune of the Côte de Beaune, producing rich, nutty, buttery Chardonnay that has defined one style of great white Burgundy for centuries. Unlike its elegant neighbor Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault prioritizes richness and opulence, with wines showing characteristic hazelnut, butter, and honey notes that have made it beloved by collectors worldwide. Uniquely for a commune of its prestige, Meursault has no Grand Crus—yet its best Premier Crus command Grand Cru prices.

Geography & Climate

Location: Côte de Beaune; between Volnay and Puligny-Montrachet

Size: ~440 ha total (largest Côte de Beaune white commune)

Elevation: 230-340m (755-1,115 ft)

Climate: Continental

Growing Degree Days: 1,350-1,500 GDD
Rainfall: 700-800mm
Exposure: East to southeast

Topography: Broader slopes than neighbors

More clay in soils
Fuller, richer wines
Terroir suited to opulence

Soil Types:

Limestone (upper)
Clay-limestone (mid-slope)
Marl (lower; richer wines)

Key Characteristic: More clay = richer, more opulent Chardonnay.

Wine Style

White (Dominant)

Character: Rich, nutty, opulent

Hazelnut, almond
Butter, honey
Lemon, minerals
Full body (vs. Puligny elegance)
Creamy texture

Meursault vs. Puligny:

Aspect	Meursault	Puligny
Style	Rich, nutty	Elegant, mineral
Body	Full	Medium-full
Character	Opulent	Precise
Grand Crus	None	4

Red (Rare)

Character: Light, fresh

Small production
Interesting; minor

Premier Crus (19 sites)

No Grand Crus (unique for major commune)

Notable Premier Crus:

Vineyard	Character
Les Perrières	Grand Cru quality; most prestigious
Les Genevrières	Rich; complex
Les Charmes	Approachable; quality
Le Porusot	Structured
Les Bouchères	Elegant
Les Gouttes d’Or	Golden drops; rich

Les Perrières: Universally considered Grand Cru quality; stony soils; benchmark.

Classification & Regulations

Burgundy Hierarchy:

Level	Number
Grand Cru	0 (unique)
Premier Cru	19
Village	Remainder

Yields: Max 45 hl/ha (village white)

History

Timeline:

Medieval: Cistercian development
17th century: Fame established
1937: AOC established
Today: Premier white Burgundy commune

No Grand Cru Paradox: Despite quality, historic classification didn’t include GC.

Les Perrières Debate: Many argue should be elevated; market already prices it as GC.

Key Constraints & Production Notes

The Meursault Style:

More new oak historically
Malolactic fermentation (creaminess)
Extended lees aging
Fuller than neighbors

Modern Evolution:

Less new oak (freshness)
More precision
Balancing richness with tension

Aging Potential:

Village: 5-12 years
Premier Cru: 10-20 years
Les Perrières: 15-30 years

Notable Producers

Quality Benchmarks:

Domaine des Comtes Lafon (benchmark)
Domaine Roulot
Domaine Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey
Domaine François Mikulski
Arnaud Ente
Vincent Dancer
Domaine Bouzereau
Domaine Buisson-Charles
Jean-Marc Boillot

Domaine des Comtes Lafon: Dominique Lafon defines modern Meursault; biodynamic; benchmark.

Domaine Roulot: Jean-Marc Roulot; precision and elegance; modern classic.

The Les Perrières Story

Grand Cru in All But Name

Why It’s Special:

Stony soils (pérrières = quarries)
Highest, coolest site
Most mineral Meursault
Prices match Grand Crus

Character: More tension than typical Meursault; ages exceptionally.

Common Challenges

Over-Oaking

Cause: Historical style; butter/toast.
Risk: Heavy, tiring wines.
Response: Modern producers using less oak; better balance.

Village Variation

Cause: Large commune.
Risk: Quality inconsistency.
Response: Producer selection; Premier Cru focus.

Food Pairing

Classic Matches:

Lobster in cream
Roast chicken
Foie gras
Comté cheese
Rich fish dishes

References

INAO (2025). “Meursault AOC Cahier des Charges.” Link
BIVB (Burgundy Wine Board).
Robinson, J., et al. (2006). “The Oxford Companion to Wine.” Oxford University Press. Publisher Link

Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Data Sources: INAO, BIVB
Research Grade: Technical reference

Permitted Varieties