Mercurey
Styles
Principal grape varieties
Accessory grape varieties
Terroir
Natural factors
- Zone covering 2 communes (Mercurey, Saint-Martin-sous-Montaigu), in the Côte Chalonnaise, approximately 10 km west of Chalon-sur-Saône.
- Jurassic marl-limestone subsoil: alternating hard limestones and marls, shaping wooded ridges and 'combes' with marly soils. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
- On the western slopes, clays with 'chailles' (siliceous nodules): more acidic, highly stony and free-draining soils, with a limestone substrate a few decimetres below the surface.
Human factors
- AOC recognised in 1936 following a 1923 lawsuit against neighbouring producers misappropriating the name; first premiers crus designated in 1943.
- Vineyard documented as early as 312 AD; planted 87% to Pinot Noir N, the principal grape variety.
Product characteristics
- Reds: elegant and powerful, with tannins that round out with age, aromas of red fruits evolving toward animal notes; capable of ageing 15–20 years in sunny vintages.
- Dry whites: rich and powerful, with dried fruit aromas, a mineral note, complexity, and length on the palate.
Terroir / wine link
- The aspect keeps the vineyards clear of fog, with early morning warming; Pinot Noir and Chardonnay yield rich, powerful wines with good ageing potential.
Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.