Viniou Reviews
Joseph Drouhin’s Meursault Cuvée Charmes 2005 is a superb expression of Burgundy’s white wine expertise, hailing from one of the most esteemed Premier Cru vineyards. Crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, this wine benefits from the remarkable quality of the “Charmes” climat, renowned for producing elegant, generous Meursaults. The 2005 vintage in Burgundy was marked by a warm, dry growing season, resulting in wines of concentration and balance. After a careful manual harvest, the grapes are gently pressed, and the must ferments in oak barrels. The subsequent maturation on fine lees brings depth and complexity, imparting delicate notes of toasted almond, honeyed citrus, ripe pear, and a signature minerality unique to Meursault.
Meursault lies within the Côte de Beaune, a region that epitomises white Burgundy at its finest. The terroir here features marl-limestone soils that provide excellent drainage and impart a distinctive mineral structure to the wines. The area benefits from a cool continental climate with ample sunshine, which encourages slow ripening and the development of intense aromatic profiles. This combination of soil and climate has underpinned Meursault’s reputation for centuries as a village producing some of the world’s most sought-after Chardonnays.
Pairing possibilities abound for a wine of such finesse. Classic matches include seared scallops, lobster in a creamy sauce, or grilled freshwater fish, dishes that resonate with Meursault’s rich texture and vibrant acidity. For a regional touch, consider poultry with a morel mushroom cream or even the traditional “escargots de Bourgogne.” Aged Comté or Gruyère cheese also make delightful companions.
To fully appreciate Joseph Drouhin’s Meursault Cuvée Charmes 2005, serve it at 11-13°C. Decanting is not essential but can help open up the aromatic palette. Best enjoyed over the next few years, the wine promises both immediate pleasure and a graceful evolution in the glass.
