Viniou Reviews
Meursault Premier Cru from Domaine des Comtes Lafon, particularly the Cuvée Barre, stands as a paragon of fine white Burgundy. Though this is a non-vintage bottling, it draws on the region’s emblematic grape, Chardonnay, which finds a unique expression here. The vineyards benefit from the limestone-rich soils and ideal aspects of the Côte de Beaune. The wine’s vinification typically involves fermentation and ageing in French oak barrels, bestowing nuanced layers of richness and a finely woven texture, while strict viticultural practices ensure both vibrancy and balance. The result is a wine marked by luminous gold hues, aromatic complexity of ripe orchard fruit, grilled nuts, and white flowers, underlain by taut mineral energy.
Nestled in the heart of Burgundy, Meursault boasts a global reputation for the distinctiveness of its white wines. The region’s temperate continental climate, with its cool nights and warm days, favours slow ripening and the preservation of acidity. The soils here, dominated by marl and limestone, impart an unmistakable minerality and concentrated flavour. Burgundy has cultivated vines since Roman times, but it was the enlightened viticulture of local monasteries in the Middle Ages that helped establish the Côte de Beaune as a bastion of white wine excellence. Today, producers like Domaine des Comtes Lafon carry forward this prestigious heritage.
As for food pairings, Meursault Premier Cru deserves to enhance refined dishes. Think of roasted shellfish such as lobster or scallops, rich fish like turbot in beurre blanc, or classic Poulet de Bresse with a cream and morel sauce. Local specialities such as escargots à la bourguignonne or a simple Comté cheese will also find a flattering partner in its generous structure and subtle oak.
For optimal appreciation, serve this Meursault at 12-14°C. Decanting for half an hour will allow the wine to express its full bouquet and enveloping texture. While accessible now, it will benefit from further cellaring, developing greater complexity and aromatic finesse over time.
