Country: France Region: Cotes de Beaune, Burgundy Varietal: Chardonnay Vintage: 2012 Colour: White Style: Dry Producer: David Moret Description: David Moret makes top quality white Burgundy from his small cellar in Beaune... David studied winemaking at school, but didn’t have a family domaine to work in when he graduated, so he began his career in wine by selling winery equipment to local vignerons. His personable character ensured success in this endeavour, as well as friendships with some of the top growers of the Côte de Beaune. He purchased his first barrels in the late 1990s, and since then, he has continued to buy small parcels of grapes from the top growers to press and ferment in his cellar, always from the same plots of vines, since he knows the ones he wants. Ageing Potential: 12 years Vineyards Meursault has 17 Premiers Crus, of which the highest-regarded are Les Charmes, Les Genevrières and Les Perrières (many regard these three as the unofficial ‘Grand Crus` of Meursault). The 16 hectares of Les Genevrières sit towards the south of Meursault; the name Genevrière literally means ‘Juniper’, from the many Juniper bushes that lined the hills in the past. Soils here are extremely stony, and the aspect is southeasterly and therefore sunny, conferring intensity and richness in the wines. The grapes were all handpicked into small boxes, which ensured the berries remained intact and healthy for their arrival at the winery. Vintage information The Côte de Beaune was severely affected by the hail storms and wet weather that characterised the late spring and early summer of 2012. With poor flowering conditions, there was low fruit set and a resulting grape shortage. Nevertheless, great care of the grapes that did grow throughout the summer, ensured their excellent quality, with whites showing a wonderful acidity and ripe fruit flavours at harvest time. Vinification Grapes were brought straight to the winery and were pressed immediately, to preserve the precious Chardonnay aromas and flavours. The wine went through alcoholic and malo-lactic fermentation in French oak barrels, and ageing, for 18 months before being bottled and resting in cellars for several months. David used 30% new French oak, to ensure that the fine character of his Meursault shines through. Tasting Notes David Moret says that Premier Cru ‘Les Perrières‘ can almost be considered as a Grand Cru, consistently producing concentrated wines that have the ability to age. A fragrant nose of lemons, white peach and green apples. The wine has wonderful minerality, mouthwatering acidity and superb concentration. Food Matches: White Meat / Turkey / Pork / Foie Gras