AOC Mercurey

History of the AOC Mercurey Appellation

Nestled in the northern part of the Côte Chalonnaise de Beaune, the AOC Mercurey vineyard is one of the largest communal appellations in Burgundy, with a significant number of Premier Crus. This privileged terroir boasts nearly one-third of its surface area planted with Premier Cru vines. Known for its robust red wines, the AOC Mercurey appellation also produces rich and complex white wines, particularly from the terroirs of white marl.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Mercurey Appellation

Climate: The AOC Mercurey vineyard enjoys a temperate oceanic climate with continental and southern disturbances. The vineyard is sheltered from humid winds by its slopes.

Soils: The terroir of the AOC Mercurey appellation consists mainly of marl soils, which produce more robust wines, and stony soils, which result in more delicate wines. The AOC Mercurey has 32 climates classified as "Premier Cru."

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay: The Essential Grapes of the AOC Mercurey Appellation

Like most Burgundy appellations, the AOC Mercurey produces red and white wines vinified as single-varietal wines. Pinot Noir is prominent for red wine, and Chardonnay for white wine. These grapes, inseparable from Burgundy, offer wines with very different profiles depending on the domain and the terroir where they are cultivated.

Wine Style of AOC Mercurey

White Wine: A beautiful golden color with green reflections. The nose is rather floral (white flowers, hawthorn, lime blossom) and expresses notes of dried fruits (almond, hazelnut) with a hint of vanilla. On the palate, AOC Mercurey white wine is generally round and rich, akin to the great white wines of Burgundy.

Red Wine: A deep garnet red color with violet reflections. The nose expresses aromas of fresh red and black fruits (raspberry, cherry, wild strawberry), leather, and undergrowth after a few years of aging. On the palate, the AOC Mercurey appellation produces a fleshy and racy red wine with velvety tannins.

The Best Food and Wine Pairings with AOC Mercurey Wines

Here are the best food and wine pairings with a bottle of white or red wine from a domain or château in AOC Mercurey:

White Wine: Salmon tartare, poultry with cream, stuffed cabbage.

Red Wine: Beef with carrots, veal sauté with mushrooms, eggs en Meurette.