Meursault is the third largest commune on the Côte d'Or in terms of wine making. However on 2019, the commune counted 1,408 inhabitants, a figure almost unchanged since the 18th century.
The majority of the production is white. Red wine only accounts for three-four percent. There are a total of 29 premier crus, but no grand crus. Despite the lack of grand crus many consider Meursault – together with its neighbours Puligy-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet – as being the best commune in the world for producing white wine.
Meursault is one of the oldest villages in Burgundy. It lies on a prehistoric site that had its first settlers in 2,500 BC and later became a Gallo-Roman camp. During the Second World War, Meursault was located very close to the free zone. It is for this reason that part of the plot of the famous fictional film La Grande Vadrouille is located in Meursault, where the heroes of the film will try to cross the demarcation line.
In most cases, Meursault is greeny-gold in colour or canary yellow, leaning towards bronze as it ages. Limpid and brilliant, it sometimes exhibits silvery highlights. Its bouquet has strong aromas of ripe grapes. The young wine is redolent of toasted almonds and hazelnuts in a floral (mayflower, elder, bracken, lime, verbena) and mineral (flint) setting. Butter, honey, and citrus fruits are also present.
What makes a Meursault a Meursault is a particular style of purity and minerality that gives a certain acidity and make the wine exciting.
