Meursault Premier Cru Les Perrières

Les Perrières occupies one of the most distinctive sites in the Côte de Beaune, sitting at 260 meters elevation on a south to southeast-facing slope that maximizes sunlight exposure throughout the growing season. The soils are defined by compact limestone and Jurassic marl, loaded with stones and pebbles left behind by the ancient quarrying activity that gave the vineyard its name. This rocky, well-drained terrain creates a cool terroir that promotes early ripening while maintaining the acidity essential for long aging. The combination of stony subsoil, excellent drainage, and favorable aspect places Les Perrières firmly at the top of Meursault's quality hierarchy.

• Compact limestone and Jurassic marl dominate the soil profile
• Abundant stones and pebbles reflect the site's quarrying heritage
• South to southeast aspect ensures maximum sun exposure
• Excellent drainage from rocky soils contributes to wine concentration and freshness

The name Perrières comes directly from the stone quarries that once operated on this land. The quarried limestone was used in the construction of Meursault's church bell-tower, making the vineyard's contribution to the village both viticultural and architectural. Today the site is divided among 27 owners and organized into four lieux-dits: Perrières Dessus on the upper slope, Aux Perrières in the middle, Perrières Dessous below, and the walled Clos des Perrières. The vineyard carries one of Burgundy's most discussed pieces of wine history: it was passed over for Grand Cru status in the early 20th century, reportedly due to the higher tax burden that classification would have brought. That decision left what many regard as a Grand Cru-quality vineyard permanently classified as premier cru.

• Named after ancient stone quarries that supplied Meursault's church bell-tower
• Divided into four lieux-dits across the slope
• 27 owners share the 13.71-hectare vineyard
• Grand Cru promotion declined in early 20th century over tax considerations

Les Perrières produces dry white Chardonnay defined by linear intensity and a pronounced mineral backbone that sets it apart from the rounder, more butter-driven style of many Meursault village wines. The combination of rocky limestone soils and a cool, well-drained terroir drives the wine's signature gunflint, crushed stone, and saline character, accompanied by floral and honeyed notes. This structure makes Les Perrières one of the longest-lived white Burgundies produced at the premier cru level, with serious examples requiring a decade or more to fully express themselves. The comparison to Montrachet is frequently made by Burgundy specialists, reflecting the wine's depth, precision, and capacity for extended cellaring.

Les Perrières attracts some of Burgundy's most respected names, each bringing a distinct interpretation of the vineyard's mineral terroir. Coche-Dury produces what is widely considered the benchmark expression, combining extraordinary tension with precision. Domaine Pierre Morey, Château de Meursault, Bouchard Père & Fils, Louis Jadot, and Bitouzet also hold parcels within the vineyard. The diversity of ownership across 27 proprietors means the vineyard is bottled under many labels, providing collectors and students multiple entry points to understand how this exceptional terroir expresses itself across different winemaking philosophies.