2016 Henri Germain et Fils Meursault Charmes

Henri Germain et Fils is in Meursault, in Burgundy’s Cote de Beaune. The family operation owns or leases 19 acres, and its very limited production Meursaults and Montrachets have a cult following among French collectors. The domaine was founded in 1973 when Henri started making his own wine. Now his son Jean-Frederic has taken over the winemaking. Henri Germain produces the Premier Crus Meursaults Les Charmes and Les Perrieres, and the Premier Cru blanc Chassange-Montrachet Morgeot. Also produced are several village whites and reds, including the red monopole Meursault Clos des Mouches. Henri’s wife is from the Pillot family of Chassange, and another of his sons is Benoit Germain of Chateau de Chorey-les-Beaune. Clive Coates has written that “the Germains are always happy to let nature take its course. They don’t bottle for 18 months. This is a good source.”

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.