Côte de Beaune
Meursault Charmes
Premier Cru - Domaine
In Burgundy, Les Charmes referred to communal fields that had been left overgrown. Charmes is thought to be a deformation of Chaume (overgrown). Whoever turned this field into a vineyard was well inspired. It is worth noting that the oldest bottle in the Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils historical collection is a Meursault Charmes dating back to 1846, predating its 1855 classification as Tête de cuvée. A recent tasting revealed the exceptional brilliance of this bottle, which still has great potential!
Grape varietiy
Chardonnay
Soil
Pebbly, chalky clay with traces of iron.
Exposure
East / South-East
Surface area
0,28 hectares
Terroir
— According to Saint Jacob, the word Charmes in Burgundy refers to former communal fields previously cultivated then left to overgrow, also commonly known as Chaume; the origin of the name of this climat may also date back to the presence of Charmes (hornbeam trees) forests.
— The cool, clayey soils retain moisture, and the plot is among the last to be harvested.
Expertise
— HARVEST: Manual, in small crates of 13 kg. Meticulous sorting of each bunch.
— VINIFICATION: Whole bunch pressing with a cycle of 2 to 3 hours to select the best juices.
— AGEING: 25 to 30% new French oak casks, 16 to 20 months depending on the vintage.
— MATURATION: The cellars of the Bastions of the ancient Château de Beaune provide ideal natural ambient conditions for maturing Premiers Crus.
Tasting
— Elegant bouquet with fruity and floral notes.
— Round and silky on the palate, it proves very flattering.
— Excellent ageing potential.