Meursaults

Meursaults are the white wines produced in Meursault, a village and AOC in the Côte de Beaune subregion of Burgundy, France. The Meursault AOC is dedicated to Chardonnay and produces white wines rather than red; the wines are known for their richness, body, and oak influence.

Terroir and climate play a key role in Meursaults. The vineyards rest on calcareous clay soils, with sunlit slopes that contribute structure and mineral depth. The climate is warm continental, with dry summers that allow full ripening of the grapes. hillside sites can retain brightness and aging potential, while richer vineyard exposures provide generous fruit.

Within the Meursault AOC, several Premier Cru vineyards produce wines with greater intensity and longevity than village-level wines. Meursaults are typically characterized by a combination of ripe fruit flavors—citrus, apple, or pear—along with nutty, toasty, and sometimes buttery notes derived from malolactic fermentation and barrel aging. Over time, many examples develop deeper mineral and spice complexities.

Winemaking styles vary. Traditional approaches often involve careful extraction and oak aging, with a proportion of new oak used to shape texture and complexity; some producers emphasize restraint to maintain freshness, while others pursue more opulent, creamy profiles. Meursaults are known for their aging potential, with well-made examples capable of developing for a decade or more.

The wines pair well with seafood and shellfish, roasted poultry, creamy sauces, and nutty cheeses. Meursaults hold an important place in Burgundy’s white-wine reputation, valued for their richness, length, and capacity to reflect terroir.