2014 Mischief and Mayhem Meursault

Mischief and Mayhem is a whimsical name for a Burgundy wine venture that began in the early aughts. It was founded by Michael Ragg, a UK fine wine merchant, and his wife Fiona Traill-Stevenson, who, like her husband, also worked for a time at Berry Bros. & Rudd wine merchants. In 2003 the pair opened a wine consultancy and brokering business in Aloxe-Corton, and a year later they started making wine from sourced grapes under their own Mischief and Mayhem label. Michael Twelftree, owner of Australia’s Two Hands Wines, was also involved initially, though no longer. In 2012 Mischief and Mayhem purchased a small plot in Aloxe-Corton, and added a second plot in 2013. Burghound.com has noted that the house style is “definitely modern.” The couple say that one of their goals is to demystify fine Burgundy wines by describing the provenance of the grapes for each bottle on the back label, along with information about the vintage and production details.

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.