Meursault 1er Cru "Charmes" AOC 2023

A Chardonnay with a broad, creamy core, held up by taut acidity. In front sit white peach, yellow apple and citrus flower, followed by almond and a touch of brioche. The finish remains long and saline.

The Charmes climat lies at the heart of Meursault, on the hillside of the Côte de Beaune. The estate itself is based in Auxey-Duresses, between Meursault and Pommard. Monks of the Abbey of Cluny founded it in 962; for over six centuries the property belonged to the Cistercian abbey of Cîteaux, before passing into private hands after the Revolution. The main building overlooks three hectares of walled vineyards, and the cellars date from the 11th and 15th centuries.

Chardonnay. Willy Roulendes has run the domaine since 2008 and has converted all 16 hectares to biodynamic farming; work is done by hand or with horses, without chemicals or heavy machinery. Since 2020, Michael Schwab has supported the daily work. The whites ferment in small wooden barrels; for ageing, alongside barriques, casks of around 1000 litres are increasingly used. New oak is used only sparingly, so that toasted notes don't overshadow the floral and fruity aromas. Depending on appellation and vintage, the wines age for 12 to 18 months.

Dry, full-bodied, silky. Juicy stone fruit meets vibrant acidity and a creamy texture, underpinned by chalky minerality.

With pan-fried turbot fillet, lobster in champagne sauce or fine fish in butter sauce. Also with veal escalope in morel cream sauce, white truffle risotto, roast chicken with herb butter and aged Comté.

The label indicates biodynamic farming. The domaine owns four monopole climats.