2001 Michel Coutoux Meursault Perrières

Michel Coutoux is the son-in-law of Michel Niellon, long-time proprietor of Domaine Michel Niellon in Chassagne-Montrachet. Coutoux has made Niellon’s wines for some time, but Coutoux has also opened a negociant business under his own name. Coutoux uses purchased fruit for his negociant wines and makes only white wines. Clive Coates has written that Maison Michel Coutoux’s wines “are generally very good.”

Les Perrieres is 34-acre Premier Cru vineyard in Meursault, in Burgundy’s Cote de Beaune. The vineyard includes several sub parcels. They are the 2.4-acre monopole Clos des Perrieres, which belongs to Domaine Albert Grivault, and Les Perrieres Dessous. Because Les Perrieres is in southern Meursault next to Puligny, the Les Perrieres Meursaults are considered to have more minerality than other Meursaults. Burgundy writer Clive Coates has noted that “Perrieres is perhaps the most elegant and persistent of the premier crus. At its best, it is positively brilliant…” Since Meursault lacks a Grand Cru, Meursault’s reputation for excellence is based on the Premier Crus, particularly the whites.

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.