Les Genevrières

Les Genevrières sits on the Côte de Beaune within the commune of Meursault, spanning 16.48 hectares at elevations between 240 and 280 meters. The vineyard faces east to east-southeast, maximising morning sun exposure while benefiting from the protection the Côte d'Or ridge provides against cold winds. Soils are limestone and clay with gravelly components, but the distinguishing factor here is a higher proportion of clay relative to most other Meursault Premier Crus. This clay influence contributes directly to the vineyard's signature richness and roundness, setting it apart from the more mineral, steely character of neighboring Perrières.

• 16.48 hectares at 240-280 meters elevation
• East to east-southeast aspect for optimal morning sun
• Higher clay content distinguishes it from other Meursault Premier Crus
• Protected from cold winds by the Côte d'Or escarpment

The name Genevrières traces directly to 'genévrier,' French for juniper, a prickly shrub bearing purple berries that colonises limestone-rich soils. The vineyard's quality was formally acknowledged as early as 1788, when it was named the best site for Meursault wine. Dr Jules Lavalle's landmark 1855 classification elevated it to tête de cuvée status, the highest tier in his Côte de Beaune hierarchy. Today it holds Premier Cru status under French appellation law and stands alongside Charmes and Perrières as one of the three dominant Premier Cru sites responsible for the bulk of Meursault's Premier Cru production.

• Named for juniper ('genévrier'), which flourishes on its limestone soils
• Recognized as Meursault's finest site as early as 1788
• Classified tête de cuvée by Dr Lavalle in 1855
• Holds official Premier Cru status under Burgundy appellation law

Les Genevrières produces exclusively Chardonnay, yielding full-bodied, opulent dry whites that sit firmly in the richest tier of Meursault. The higher clay content in the soil drives a rounder, creamier texture than is typical across the appellation, with characteristic buttery and nutty notes complemented by exotic spicing. Compared to the steelier, more mineral Perrières, Genevrières offers greater finesse alongside its weight. The Dessus sub-climate, occupying the higher portion of the vineyard, is consistently regarded as the superior parcel, producing wines with more complexity and longevity.

• Full-bodied, creamy, and buttery with a round, minerally core
• Nutty profile with exotic spicing, more opulent than Perrières
• Dessus (upper section) produces wines of greater complexity
• Exclusively Chardonnay under Meursault Premier Cru regulations

Les Genevrières attracts some of Burgundy's most respected names, from major négociants to celebrated domaines. Domaine des Comtes Lafon and Domaine Leroy represent the pinnacle of prestige among growers, with allocations that are fiercely sought by collectors. Domaine François Mikulski and Domaine Antoine Jobard offer more accessible entry points to the vineyard's character without sacrificing quality. On the négociant side, Joseph Drouhin, Louis Jadot, Bouchard Père et Fils, and Louis Latour all produce recognised bottlings. Domaine Latour-Giraud and Domaine Jean Monnier et Fils round out a producer list that reflects the vineyard's broad appeal across the Meursault producer community.