Meursault-Charmes Premier Cru, Sans Sulfite Ajouté AOC 2022

Wine Description for Meursault-Charmes Premier Cru Sans Sulfite Ajouté AOC 2022 by Rougeot Père & Fils

Character

A sulphur-free Premier Cru from one of Meursault’s most coveted vineyard sites – that’s a bold statement. Rougeot Père & Fils ventures here into the pinnacle discipline of natural winemaking, where precise cellar technique and impeccable fruit are decisive. The Meursault-Charmes traditionally stands for opulent texture and mineral finesse, qualities that without sulphur addition can come into their own even more authentically – provided the vinification succeeds flawlessly.

Terroir & Origin

The vineyard site Charmes lies on the mid-slope south of the village of Meursault and is considered one of the most accessible Premier Cru sites of the appellation. The calcareous soils with their high proportion of marl lend the wines their characteristic creaminess and at the same time a fine minerality. The continental climate of Burgundy with cool nights preserves freshness, whilst the sloping site enables optimal ripeness. The 2022 vintage, following a warm summer, produced concentrated yet fresh wines.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Chardonnay reaches its Burgundian perfection in Meursault – full-bodied, yet never heavy, with a balance between fruit, structure and minerality. The decision for Sans Sulfite Ajouté demands the utmost care: meticulously selected harvest fruit, strict cellar hygiene and often spontaneous fermentation with natural yeasts. Maturation takes place traditionally in oak barrels, with sulphur-free wines often employing a more restrained approach to new wood in order not to jeopardise oxidative stability. The result is a wine of great authenticity and vibrancy.

Food Pairing Suggestions

A wine of this calibre calls for cuisine to match: lobster in butter sauce, pan-fried scallops or Poularde de Bresse with morels are classic companions. Aged Comté or Beaufort cheese also harmonise beautifully. The natural vinification makes the wine an intriguing partner for fermented vegetables or dishes with brown butter. Serving temperature: 12-14°C.