2002 Verget Meursault Les Charmes

Maison Verget is a negociant based in Macon, Burgundy. It was founded in 1990 by Jean-Marie Guffens, a Belgian who moved to France in 1976 with his wife to learn French and study wine. After studying viticulture in France and working for other winemakers, they started making their own wines under the label Domain Guffens-Heynen. But Jean-Marie also wanted had ideas about being a negociant, and today his idealistic and demanding approach to vinification have made the Verget “one of Burgundy’s most talked-about sources of white Burgundy,” according to Robert M. Parker Jr. Verget’s broad portfolio of wines win high ratings from Parker and others.

Les Charmes, at 78 acres, is Meursault’s largest Premier Cru vineyard. Like its neighboring Premier Crus, Les Genevrieres and Les Perrieres, is is south of the commune of Meursault and very close to Puligny-Montrachet. Since Meursault lacks a Grand Cru, Meursault’s reputation for excellence is based on the Premier Crus, particularly the whites. Les Charmes abuts Puligny-Montrachet. Burgundy writer Clive Coates writes that “there is an attractive, soft flowery character to a Charmes: peach blossom, delicately nutty, gently honeyed.”

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.