Les Cras (1er Cru, Meursault)
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A stony northern Premier Cru of Meursault producing austere, mineral-driven whites at the edge of Volnay's territory.
Les Cras is a Premier Cru vineyard in Meursault producing firm, mineral whites from limestone-rich, stony soils. Situated on the northern boundary of the Meursault commune near Volnay and Monthélie, it sits at around 400 metres elevation with a south-south-west aspect. Chardonnay dominates, though Pinot Noir is also grown, with all wines labelled under the Meursault appellation.
- Premier Cru classification within the Meursault appellation, Côte de Beaune
- Located on Meursault's northern edge, bordering Volnay and Monthélie
- South-south-west facing at approximately 400 metres elevation
- Soils are limestone-rich and stony with clay and limestone subsoil and white marl
- The name derives from 'crai,' referring to the characteristic stony terrain
- Both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are grown; all wines carry the Meursault appellation
- Notable producers include Coche-Dury, Domaine Henri Boillot, and Domaine Buisson-Charles
Location and Boundaries
Les Cras occupies the northern fringe of the Meursault commune, sitting close to the boundary with both Volnay and Monthélie. This positioning gives the vineyard a character that reflects the transition zone between these prestigious appellations. Its neighbor Les Caillerets shares a similar boundary position, and wines from both sites, whether red or white, fall under the Meursault appellation rather than Volnay, despite the geographic proximity.
- Northern edge of Meursault commune
- Borders Volnay to the north and Monthélie nearby
- Neighboring Les Caillerets shares similar appellation rules
- All red and white production carries the Meursault AOC label
Terroir and Soils
The vineyard sits at around 400 metres elevation with a south-south-west aspect, capturing strong afternoon sun exposure that aids ripening in Burgundy's continental climate. The terrain is unmistakably stony, a fact encoded in the vineyard's name, which derives from the old French word 'crai' meaning stony ground. Limestone-rich soils dominate the surface, with clay and limestone subsoil beneath and pockets of white marl. This combination delivers the firm structure and pronounced minerality that defines wines from Les Cras.
- Elevation of approximately 400 metres
- South-south-west facing aspect for strong sun exposure
- Limestone-rich, stony soils with clay and limestone subsoil
- White marl present within the soil profile
Grape Varieties and Wine Style
Chardonnay is the dominant variety at Les Cras, consistent with Meursault's identity as one of Burgundy's great white wine communes. The vineyard also supports Pinot Noir, producing fine reds alongside the more prevalent whites. The wines are known for their firm, austere character with notable minerality, a profile that distinguishes them from the richer, more textural expressions found in some other Meursault Premiers Crus. The stony soils drive a taut, focused style in both colours.
- Chardonnay is the primary variety
- Pinot Noir is also cultivated for red wine production
- Whites are characterised by firm structure and pronounced minerality
- Style is more austere than many other Meursault Premier Crus
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Open Wine Lookup →Notable Producers
Les Cras attracts a strong roster of producers from both within Meursault and across the Côte de Beaune. Coche-Dury, arguably the most celebrated name in modern Meursault, produces a version that commands serious attention. Domaine Henri Boillot, Domaine Buisson-Charles, and Domaine Vincent Girardin also offer notable expressions. Arnaud Baillot, Joseph Voillot, Georges Noëllat, Domaine Vincent Latour, and Ropiteau Frères round out a diverse group of growers and négociants working this site.
- Coche-Dury is among the most sought-after producers from this site
- Domaine Henri Boillot and Domaine Buisson-Charles are established names
- Joseph Voillot is known for red Meursault from similar northern sites
- Both domaine-bottled and négociant wines are available
Les Cras Meursault Premier Cru delivers firm, mineral-driven Chardonnay with a taut, focused structure. Expect citrus and stone fruit at the core, layered with chalky minerality and restrained oak. The whites are less voluptuous than Meursaults from lower, richer sites, leaning toward precision and length. The small production of Pinot Noir shows red fruit with stony, earthy character shaped by the limestone-dominant soils.
- Coche-Dury Meursault Premier Cru Les Cras$400-800The benchmark expression from Les Cras; precise, mineral, and highly allocated from Meursault's most celebrated domaine.Find →
- Domaine Henri Boillot Meursault Premier Cru Les Cras$80-120Consistently elegant and structured, showcasing the firm minerality characteristic of this northern Meursault climat.Find →
- Domaine Buisson-Charles Meursault Premier Cru Les Cras$60-90A grower domaine expression offering authentic terroir character with excellent value relative to the site's pedigree.Find →
- Les Cras is a Premier Cru within the Meursault appellation, located on the commune's northern boundary near Volnay and Monthélie.
- The name derives from 'crai,' the old French term for stony ground, reflecting the vineyard's limestone-rich, stony soils.
- Both red and white wines from Les Cras and neighboring Les Caillerets carry the Meursault AOC, not Volnay, despite proximity to that commune.
- The south-south-west aspect at 400 metres elevation contributes to the site's firm, mineral style compared to lower Meursault sites.
- Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are both cultivated; Coche-Dury is among the most notable producers working this climat.