Joseph Drouhin Meursault Genevrières 1er Cru 2022

Joseph Drouhin, founded in Beaune in 1880, farms across Burgundy with organic and biodynamic methods, and this Chardonnay comes from Genevrières, one of the finest premier cru climats of Meursault. The wine reflects both village and site: Meursault is the richest and most buttery of the great white Burgundy villages, and Genevrières adds a mineral finesse from stony limestone that keeps the weight in balance. Fruit is whole-bunch pressed and matured for twelve months in French oak barrels, where several processes shape the style. Barrel fermentation and lees ageing build a creamy, bready texture, malolactic fermentation converts sharp malic acid into softer lactic acid for the rounded feel typical of Meursault, and slow oxygen exchange through the wood knits fruit and oak together. The colour is bright gold. The nose is layered, with hazelnut, white peach, honey and toasted bread over vanilla and a light woodspice. The palate is broad and textured, the oak absorbed into ripe fruit and held by a fresh, mineral acidity that carries a long finish. Serve at 12 to 14 degrees in a large glass.