Wines Meursault Bouchard Père & Fils - Meursault 1er Cru 'Charmes' Blanc - 2013

Bouchard Père & Fils’ Meursault 1er Cru ‘Charmes’ 2013 is an excellent expression of Côte de Beaune white Burgundy, hailing from one of the most respected appellations for Chardonnay-based wines—though specific cépage information can sometimes vary, Meursault Premier Cru Charmes is almost invariably crafted from Chardonnay. The 2013 vintage in Burgundy required attentive vineyard work, leading to wines of remarkable freshness and precision. Charmes, as a climat within Meursault, is known for yielding wines of generosity, often combining opulent, creamy texture with a vibrant mineral backbone. Depending on cellar handling, this wine likely underwent barrel fermentation and maturation, imparting subtle toasty notes and an added complexity to the fruit profile, which typically evokes ripe orchard fruit, citrus, and nuanced hazelnut or brioche.

Meursault sits just south of Beaune, in a stretch of Burgundy famous for its limestone-rich soils mixed with clay, supporting the nuanced style that defines the village’s whites. The relatively cool continental climate ensures a long, slow ripening period, preserving acidity and freshness within the wines, while the “Charmes” vineyard, with its particularly deep, well-drained soils, is celebrated for conveying both weight and finesse. The area’s illustrious history, with winegrowing dating back to monastic times, has made Meursault synonymous with some of the world’s finest white wines.

With its layered complexity and textured palate, this wine shines alongside luxurious dishes; consider pairing it with roasted poultry in a cream sauce or lobster thermidor. The signature nuttiness and richness call for elegant but flavourful fare—classic Burgundian dishes such as “poulet de Bresse aux morilles” or a mushroom risotto would be sublime. A ripe Epoisses or Comté, both regional cheeses, also harmonise beautifully.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Meursault Premier Cru at 12-14°C to allow its intricate aromas and texture to unfold gradually in the glass. Decanting for 30 minutes can further enhance its aromatic array, especially as the wine has evolved gracefully with bottle age.