Joseph Drouhin Meursault 2001

Meursault is situated a few miles South of Beaune. It is a close neighbour of Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet. The three villages together make up the famous Côte des Blancs in Burgundy. The origin of the name Meursault is somewhat controversial. Some people believe it is derived from the Latin "Muris Saltus" translated as "jump of a mouse". More probably, it comes from an old Celtic root, "mare", meaning swamp : the lower part of the village is actually on very flat land. Fortunately, the real appellation area is on chalky soil of a light brown colour, with many broken stones that reflect the sun during the day. It is a dry, poor soil, perfect to grow Chardonnay, the only variety used in this appellation.

The quality of a Meursault AC (village appellation) very much depends on the location of the vineyards and the grower's know-how and care. Robert Drouhin buys grapes from selected vineyards. At harvest time, the grapes are hand-picked and pressed very gently in a pneumatic press. The juice starts to ferment in barrels naturally. The malolactic fermentation is always left to follow its course. As with all other wines, Robert Drouhin is very careful with the use of new oak, never exceeding 30%, so that the fruit cannot be dominated by the wood. The wine is bottled after nine or ten months. Meursault can be served alone as an aperitif with smoked salmon. At dinner, Meursault is recommended with delicate fish dishes, lobster, foie gras or even poultry, as well as fresh goat cheese.

Meursault is a wine with a luminous gold colour, intense fragrance and refined flavours. It is full bodied without being heavy, with a long lasting finish.