Domaine Albert Grivault : Meursault 1er cru "Clos des Perrières" 2021

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Meursault 1er Cru "Clos des Perrières" 2021 from Domaine Albert Grivault

Tasting

Appearance

The appearance displays a luminous golden hue, bearing witness to the wine's richness and purity.

Nose

The bouquet reveals a delicate and complex aromatic palette. Notes of green apple and citrus blossoms intertwine with aromas of wet stone. Nuances of fresh hazelnut and butter add an extra dimension, while floral touches of acacia and jasmine accompany a subtle peppery hint.

Palate

On the palate, this wine stands out for its remarkable vibrancy and precision. Mineral expression dominates the palate, supported by lively acidity that lends structure and tension to the whole. The wine's architecture favors finesse and refinement over power. The finish, long and saline, lingers with a persistent minerality that characterizes the exceptional typicity of the terroir.

Food and wine pairings

This Meursault 1er Cru "Clos des Perrières" 2021 pairs beautifully with noble fish preparations such as grilled sea bass with herbs and beurre blanc, sole meunière, or turbot. Crustaceans and shellfish are also excellent partners, notably langoustines, lobster, or scallops, whether simply seasoned or prepared with delicate sauces. White meats with cream and mushrooms, such as Bresse poultry with morels, create a perfect harmony with this wine. Regarding cheeses, favor well-aged Comté, Beaufort, or a dry goat cheese.

Service and cellaring

The Meursault 1er Cru "Clos des Perrières" 2021 is ideally served at a temperature between 11 and 13°C. Decanting for 30 to 60 minutes can be beneficial if the wine is consumed in its youth, thus allowing it to release all its aromatic complexity. This wine can be appreciated from 2027 and will continue to evolve favorably until around 2045, or even beyond. Its optimal expression period is approximately between 2028 and 2043.

An exceptional Meursault Premier Cru, a monopole of Domaine Albert Grivault

The estate

Founded in 1875, Domaine Albert Grivault represents over 140 years of winemaking excellence in Burgundy. Located in the heart of Meursault, in the Côte de Beaune, this family estate today spans approximately six hectares of vines. Its jewel remains the Clos des Perrières, a one-hectare monopole acquired in 1879, considered one of the greatest terroirs of Meursault. Since 2004, Claire Bardet, representing the fourth family generation, has managed the estate, supported by Henri Marc for the technical aspects of winemaking. The estate distinguishes itself by its traditional approach favoring the expression of terroir and the production of wines with great aging potential.

The vineyard

The Clos des Perrières constitutes an exceptional terroir within the Meursault appellation. This one-hectare monopole is surrounded by its own historic stone wall and is located in the heart of the Perrières climat, often considered the greatest Premier Cru of Meursault, rivaling Grand Crus. The vineyard rests on a remarkably stony clay-limestone soil, with a composition of 46% clay, 30% silt, and 24% sand. An outcrop of Bathonian limestone of Jurassic age distinguishes this plot from other sections of the climat. Located at an altitude of about 260 meters, the vineyard benefits from optimal exposure and orientation. The vines, aged about thirty years, reach the ideal maturity to produce wines of exceptional concentration and complexity.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage proved particularly difficult in Burgundy. An unusually mild spring favored early vine development, making young shoots vulnerable to devastating frosts in early April, where temperatures dropped to between -5°C and -6°C. These frosts particularly affected mid-slope vineyards, where Premiers and Grands Crus are located. Disease pressure, notably downy mildew, intensified during the season due to humid conditions. Despite these major challenges, rigorous producers obtained wines of remarkable quality. The 2021 vintage is characterized by exceptional freshness and tension, creating wines of great mineral purity that evoke the classic expressions of yesteryear.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the Meursault 1er Cru "Clos des Perrières" 2021 are harvested manually at optimal maturity, allowing for a rigorous selection of the finest bunches. After delicate pressing preserving aromatic purity, the must is barreled in oak casks for fermentation. The estate favors the use of barrels that have already been used for about five previous vintages, voluntarily limiting the proportion of new wood. This approach allows for the preservation of the intrinsic expression of the terroir without masking the minerality with woody aromas. Aging continues on fine lees with careful stirring, developing complexity and texture while respecting the wine's natural character.

Grape variety

100% Chardonnay