Joseph Drouhin : Meursault 1er cru "Les Charmes" 2023

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Meursault 1er Cru "Les Charmes" 2023 by Joseph Drouhin

Tasting

Appearance
The glass reveals a bright golden hue that never tips into an overly pronounced yellow.

Nose
Both concentrated and elegant, the bouquet exudes aromas of yellow fruit and flowers, intertwined with indulgent notes of almond, warm bread and croissant. Subtle hints of delicate spices and toasted dried fruit complete this harmonious whole.

Palate
Ample and full-bodied, the palate charms with its roundness and silky texture, perfectly balanced by a well-integrated acidity that brings great freshness. The wine stretches out into a long, persistent finish marked by delicious notes of almond paste and warm brioche.

Food and wine pairing

This white wine pairs beautifully with refined dishes such as vol-au-vent, veal rump with morels or noble fish like pike with beurre blanc. It is also an excellent match for white meats in sauce, pan-seared scallops and hard cooked cheeses such as aged Comté or Beaufort.

Serving and cellaring

To fully appreciate this wine, it is best served at 13°C. It will reach its optimal drinking window between 2031 and 2033 and can be enjoyed until around 2038.

The elegance and aromatic richness of a Meursault Premier Cru

The estate

Founded in 1880 in Beaune, Maison Joseph Drouhin is a true institution in Burgundy. Originally a négociant house, it gradually built up its own estate from 1921 onwards. Today, the fourth generation, represented by Philippe, Véronique, Laurent and Frédéric Drouhin, heads the property and oversees 100 hectares of vineyards. Renowned for its environmental commitment, the estate stands out for its large-scale organic and biodynamic viticulture. The family's philosophy is based on natural responses to climate challenges, with the aim of producing wines of great finesse that faithfully express their terroir.

The vineyard

Located south of Beaune, on the prestigious Côte des Blancs, the Les Charmes climat lies in the southern part of the Meursault appellation. This terroir benefits from a gentle slope and excellent sun exposure. The vines flourish on well-drained clay-limestone and marl-limestone soils. The estate practises demanding biodynamic viticulture here, with horse ploughing, the use of natural compost and a high planting density of up to 12,500 vines per hectare. Particular care is also taken to preserve the vineyard's plant heritage through massal selection.

The vintage

2023 ranks as one of the hottest years in the region's recent history, surpassing even the temperatures recorded the previous year. Despite this exceptional heat, the growing cycle allowed the grapes to reach perfect ripeness at harvest time.

Vinification and ageing

The grapes are harvested by hand into perforated crates, followed by meticulous sorting. The berries are then slowly pressed in a pneumatic press. The free-run juice is separated from the final press juice and, after light settling, is transferred by gravity. Fermentation and ageing take place entirely in French oak barrels sourced from high-forest timber and air-dried for three years, with a measured proportion of 20 to 25% new wood. Ageing lasts for 16 to 18 months.

Grape variety

100% Chardonnay