Joseph Drouhin : Meursault 1er cru "Perrières" 2023

The elegance and minerality of a Burgundy Premier Cru

The estate

Founded in 1880 by a twenty-three-year-old man, the House of Joseph Drouhin has established itself as a key figure in Burgundy, France. This estate of around one hundred hectares stretches from the north to the south of the wine region. Pioneering in spirit, the family adopted an organic and biodynamic philosophy as early as the late 1980s. Today, the fourth generation leads the company, with Frédéric Jousset-Drouhin serving as Chairman of the Management Board. The estate stands out for its nature-respectful approach, seeking to express the purity of each terroir.

The vineyard

The Perrières climat, recognised as one of the finest terroirs of the Meursault appellation, sits on shallow soils in the Côte de Beaune. Its name, derived from the Latin word for "stone quarry", reflects the nature of its stony land, where flakes of white limestone break through the surface. This poor soil, combined with an excellent exposure, offers ideal conditions for the vine. The estate favours a high planting density, reaching twelve thousand five hundred vines per hectare, to encourage deep rooting and concentrate flavours.

The vintage

2023 ranks among the hottest years ever recorded in the region, even surpassing the temperatures of the previous year. These particularly sunny weather conditions allowed the grapes to reach perfect ripeness at harvest time, while preserving the natural balance of the growing cycle.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes destined for the Meursault 1er Cru "Perrières" 2023 are hand-harvested into small perforated crates to preserve their integrity. Winemaking proceeds slowly, in step with the natural rhythm of the season. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentations take place in barrels. Aging is carried out entirely in French oak barrels, 25% of which are new, with the remaining 75% between one and three years old. The oaks, selected while still standing, are air-dried for three years to gently refine the wine's profile.

Grape variety

100% Chardonnay.

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Meursault 1er Cru "Perrières" 2023 Joseph Drouhin

Tasting notes

Color
The color reveals a white hue of remarkable brightness.

Nose
The nose releases a complex aromatic palette blending notes of syrup, toasted almond and candied fruit, complemented by subtle hints of honey, flowers, dried apples and crushed stone.

Palate
The palate offers a silky, full-bodied texture, perfectly balanced by lovely freshness and a mineral tension. The finish stands out for its lingering persistence, revealing delicious toasted and candied aromas.

Food and wine pairing

This white wine pairs wonderfully with delicate dishes such as scallop skewers, langoustine carpaccio or lobster claw. It also perfectly accompanies a white truffle risotto, poultry in creamy sauce, as well as characterful regional cheeses like Époisses.

Service and storage

To fully appreciate the Meursault 1er Cru "Perrières" 2023, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 12 and 13°C. This wine can be enjoyed young to savour its fruity profile, but it also has the structure to age gracefully in the cellar, drinking well until around 2038.