Meursault is a village appellation in the Côte de Beaune section of Burgundy, France, located between Volnay and Puligny-Montrachet. The appellation covers approximately 400 hectares of vineyards on the slopes and plateau above the village, with premier cru vineyards including Les Perrières, Les Genevrières, Les Charmes, and Les Gouttes d'Or among others.
The terroir consists primarily of limestone and marl soils with varying compositions across different vineyard sites. Chardonnay is the predominant grape variety, accounting for the vast majority of plantings, though small amounts of Pinot Noir are also grown. The continental climate features warm summers and cool winters, with the east and southeast-facing slopes providing optimal sun exposure. Traditional Burgundian winemaking methods are employed, typically involving fermentation and aging in oak barrels with varying degrees of new wood depending on the producer's style.
Meursault wines are characterized by their rich, full-bodied style with distinctive nutty and buttery qualities often accompanied by citrus and stone fruit flavors. The wines generally display more power and weight than neighboring appellations like Puligny-Montrachet, with a rounder mouthfeel and less mineral-driven character. Premier cru vineyards tend to produce wines with greater concentration and complexity, while village-level wines offer approachable expressions of the appellation's signature style with good aging potential of 5-10 years.
