2022 Domaine Theulot Juillot Mercurey 1er Cru Les Champs Martins Blanc, Burgundy

Les Champs Martins borders Les Combins to the west and has historically been considered one of Mercurey’s finest vineyards. All the village’s top growers are represented here, and Theulot Juillot holds two south-facing parcels of mature Pinot Noir. Roughly 20% of the vineyard is planted to Chardonnay, of which Theulot Juillot works with a small parcel of 35-year-old vines on grey Oxfordian marlstone at the western-exposed top of the vineyard. The wine ferments naturally in oak barrels (30% new).

Nathalie Juillot believes Les Champs Martin to be the best terroir for whites in the village, and this release backs up that claim. It’s a sleek, chalky, textured white with archetypal Mercurey notes of white licorice and florals with salty, mineral freshness keeping the palate well-proportioned and bright. Very smart.

The Domaine Theulot Juillot Mercurey 1er Cru Les Champs Martins Blanc from Burgundy is a stunning Chardonnay that exemplifies the refinement and complexity of the Mercurey appellation in the Côte Chalonnaise. Domaine Theulot Juillot, a family-run estate with a focus on sustainability and terroir-driven winemaking, is celebrated for producing wines of exceptional character and elegance.

The Les Champs Martins vineyard, classified as Premier Cru, features limestone-rich soils and optimal exposure, which contribute to the wine’s vibrant minerality and aromatic depth. The Chardonnay grapes are hand-harvested at peak ripeness and fermented using traditional Burgundian methods to retain the fruit's freshness and purity. Aging in French oak barrels, with a judicious use of new oak, imparts texture and subtle complexity.

In the glass, the wine reveals a pale golden color with green highlights. The nose is expressive and complex, offering aromas of citrus zest, white peach, and green apple, layered with notes of hazelnut, vanilla, and a hint of flint.

On the palate, the Mercurey 1er Cru Les Champs Martins Blanc is medium-bodied and finely textured, showcasing flavors of lemon curd, ripe stone fruit, and a touch of almond. A lively acidity and a chalky minerality provide balance and length, leading to a clean, elegant finish with lingering hints of citrus and toast.

This Premier Cru Chardonnay pairs beautifully with dishes such as roasted poultry, seared scallops, or creamy mushroom risotto. While delightful in its youth, it has the potential to develop greater complexity with 5-8 years of aging.