2010 Buisson-Charles Meursault Les Charmes

Domaine Buisson-Charles is a 13-acre domaine in Meursault, on the Cote de Beaune. It was founded by the Buisson family four generations ago, and is today run by Catherine Buisson and her husband Patrick Essa. The estate has Premier Cru parcels in Meursault and Volnay. Clive Coates has written that the estate “is a very good source, and it is getting better.”

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.