2015 Francois Gaunoux Meursault Le Clos De Tavaux

Francois Gaunoux has a long and distinguished history in Meursault, Burgundy. The Gaunoux family has been involved in winemaking in the Cote d’Or for centuries, and Francois is the son of the late Henri Gaunoux, who was a renowned winemaker. Francois started working in the vineyards at age 15, and for nearly 30 years was president of the Committee of Viticulture of the Cote d’Or. The 25-acre estate is now run by Francois and his daughter Claudine. Francois Gaunoux produces Grand Cru and Premier Cru Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Of particular note are the estate’s Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Volnay and Pommard.

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.