2018 Bernard Moreau Meursault Charmes Dessus

Bernard Moreau is a fourth-generation winemaker in Chassagne-Montrachet, in Burgundy’s Cote de Beaune. He is joined in the business by his sons Alexandre and Benoit. The domaine includes 35 acres in the communes of Chassagne-Montrachet and Saint-Aubin. The estate makes several dozen wines, of which about 60 % are white, and 40% red. There are red and white Premier Cru parcels in Chassagne-Montrachet. Of special notes is the Chassagne-Montrachet rouge Premier Cru monopole, La Cardeuse. Clive Coates notes that Bernard Moreau produces “very good wines.”

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.