Meursault "Le Pré de Manche" AOC 2024

A white wine that holds richness and freshness together: floral and fruity aromatics, a creamy texture, underpinned by an acidity that keeps the wine upright. Burgundian elegance without pomp, depth without heaviness.

Clos du Moulin aux Moines lies in Auxey-Duresses, at the heart of the Côte de Beaune between Meursault and Pommard. In 962, monks from the Abbey of Cluny founded a monastery here; for over six centuries the estate belonged to the Cistercian abbey of Cîteaux, passing into private hands after the Revolution. The main building overlooks three hectares of walled vines, the Clos that gives the estate its name. The proximity to the great white-wine appellations unmistakably shapes the estate's white wine plots.

Pure 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, with no chemicals or heavy machinery. Since 2020, Michael Schwab has supported the day-to-day work. The white grapes ferment in small oak barrels. For ageing, alongside barriques, casks of around 1000 litres are increasingly used, and new oak is now only rarely employed: the clear, floral fruit is meant to take centre stage, not toasty oak flavours. Depending on the vintage, the wine ages for twelve to eighteen months in cellars dating from the 11th and 15th centuries.

Dry, with precise acidity and fruit between white peach and ripe apple; a subtle buttery note adds breadth, while wet limestone and a saline minerality carry the long finish. 12.0% vol.

With sole in butter sauce, roast chicken with morels, poultry pâté or mushroom risotto. Aged Comté also pairs well.

One of Burgundy's oldest wine estates, with four monopoles, and despite its history still an insider tip. Biodynamic farming as stated on the label.