Domaine Michelot Bourgogne Blanc 2015
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This Bourgogne Blanc comes from parcels situated exclusively within the Meursault commune and bordering the land classified as Appellation Meursault Villages. The soil is a clay limestone mix and the subsoil is gravel. As with our Villages and Premiers Crus parcels, the soil is plowed and partially grassed. The wine-making and maturing processes are identical to those of the Villages and Premiers Crus wines. Its character is very close to that of a Meursault Villages and it goes well with delicate starters and foie gras. It should be drunk within 2 to 5 years after bottling.
Domaine Michelot has been in the Michelot family for six generations and, having increased in size over the years, now comprises more than 19 hectares which include a number of prestigious 1er cru wines. The domaine achieved widespread recognition in the 60s under the direction of the charismatic Bernard Michelot and this spirit and tradition flourishes and grows in the hands of the current generation.
The Meursault vineyards are made up of a number of "terroirs" – parcels of land with individual characteristics of soil, drainage and orientation – and their distinct personalities yield a diverse range of wines. They appeal to all, from private individuals to restaurateurs, who enjoy sharing the uplifting pleasures of good wine.
The Domaine keeps anti-malady treatments of the vines to a strict minimum, preferring to keep the land itself healthy through a carefully scheduled program of ploughing. They allow grass to grow in a part of each vineyard and mow it regularly. The grass deprives the vines of easily accessible water and forces the root system deep into the ground. This minimizes the need for pesticides and concentrates the specific qualities that each terroir brings to its wine.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
Known to offer a magical balance of smoothness and freshness, Meursault's quality is hard to rival. The village lies in the middle of Côte de Beaune, just south of Volnay. Meursault is said to mean “mouse’s jump” because in the past the plots producing Pinot Noir and those producing Chardonnay were no more than a mouse’s jump from one another. Today the village is almost exclusively Chardonnay. A tiny bit of Pinot Noir is produced here with the best coming from Les Santenots on its northern side near Volnay.
While there are no Grands Crus, Meursault’s numerous acclaimed Premiers Crus can compete with any other top-notch white Burgundy. Some to know are Les Perrières, Les Genevrières, Les Charmes, Le Poruzot, Les Bouchères and Les Gouttes d’Or.
Meursault produces outstanding village level wines as well. In general great Premiers Crus and even village level Meursault (Chardonnay) have enticing aromas of lime peel, tropical fruit, crushed rocks, spice and hazelnut. On the palate there is a wonderful balance of brightness and a seductive length with flavors of white peach, pineapple and citrus.