2011 Decelle-Villa Meursault

Domaine Decelle-Villa was started in 2008 when two distinguished winemakers from other regions of France decided to pool their talents and produce Burgundy. Olivier Decelle is the vigneron behind Mas Amiel in Roussillon, and he also revived Château Jean Faure in St. Emilion. Pierre-Jean Villa was part of a boutique Rhône negociant, and he is also a Rhone Valley vigneron. Now they have purchased and restored an historic 19th century cellar in Nuits Saint Georges along with about 20 acres of vineyards in various Burgundy locations. They also source grapes from Gevrey-Chambertin to Chassagne-Montrachet for their Domaine Decelle-Villa venture. The domaine makes more than a dozen wines, from a Grand Cru and Premiers Crus to village and regional appellations.

Meursault is one of the trio of famous Chardonnay producing appellations in the Côte d’Or. Although both red and white wines are allowed to be produced in the Meursault appellation, 98% of Meursault is Chardonnay. With a total of 2,500 acres of vineyards, there are no Grands Crus but 325 acres of Premiers Crus, which are divided into 13 main vineyards. As wine writers have often noted, Meursault’s fame is based on its Premiers Crus, including the prestigious Les Perrières, Les Genevrières and Les Charmes. Because the water table is low in Meursault, many producers have cellars here, including Comte Lafon and Jean-Francois Coche-Dury. Robert M. Parker Jr. wrote “the Premiers Crus, as well as the finest Villages Meursaults from the top vineyards, are among the easiest drinking white burgundies in the world. Why? High-quality Meursault is opulent, almost unctuous, with a fatness and a juicy, succulent, buttery, hazelnut and apple, peach-like fruitiness that often roars from the glass.”

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.