Joseph Drouhin, Meursault Genevrieres 1er Cru 2018

The vineyard site Genevrieres 1er Cru is just a few miles south of Beaune in the Cote de Blancs. Genevrieres is derives from the prickly juniper shrubs that shares and indeed thrives on the terroir of limestone and clay here. Vinification starts with a very slow press vinified directly in barrel. The aging takes place in 25% new French oak barrels for at least 12 moths.

Founded in 1880 by the then 22 year old Joseph Drouhin, this famous Burgundy Negociant is still family owned. Maison Joseph Drouhin owns extensive parcels throughout the region and in Chablis, extending to 73 hectares, including the world-renowned Clos des Mouches, one of the earliest purchases made by Joseph. From Montrachet Marquis de Laguiche through to Meursault and to Corton Charlemagne in the Côte de Beaune, Echezaux to Clos de Vougeot in the Côte de Nuits, the domaines produce a wide spectrum from Laforêt Bourgogne Blanc and Rouge to Grands Crus in Musigny and Chambertin. Joseph Drouhin’s foremost concern is to express the exact character of each terroir. Since 1993 they have worked their vineyards to organic and biodynamic principles, “bringing natural answers to natural problems”. The progress of every wine is meticulously monitored and recorded at every stage; they were one of the first houses in Burgundy to apply bar codes to the barrels to ensure total traceability.