AOC Mercurey

Mercurey is an appellation d’origine contrôlée wine from the Burgundy region. The AOC Mercurey vineyards are located in Saône-et-Loire, between Chalon-sur-Saône and Givry. The Mercurey AOC has been recognized since 1936.

The Mercurey AOC extends over marl-clay-limestone soils, covering some 640 hectares of vines, divided between village and premier crus appellations (there are exactly 85 “lieux-dits” in the village AOC and 32 in the premier crus).

This terroir enjoys a temperate, continental climate. In terms of grape varieties, 85% are black (single-varietal Pinot Noir) and 15% white (single-varietal Chardonnay).

In the shadow of the great Burgundy appellations such as Nuits-Saint-Georges, Vosne-Romanée, Chambolle-Musigny and Gevrey-Chambertin, Mercurey ranks alongside Santenay and Savigny-lès-Beaune.

Organic Mercurey

Like the Burgundy vineyards, the AOC Mercurey terroir is fertile ground for organic, biodynamic and natural farming. The marl-clay-limestone soils are particularly well-suited to the production of organic wines, both in the vineyard and in the cellar. The same goes for Pinot Noir, often considered one of the most complex and prestigious grape varieties in the world.

The character acquired by the wines thanks to good irrigation of the vines via the soils, and the right amount of sunshine thanks to the Burgundian climate, result in quality grapes. Organic care of the vines (no chemicals, manual harvesting…) results in grapes that are even more expressive and faithful to the terroir.

With organic or even natural winemaking, grapes are macerated and fermented without external inputs or additives, allowing them to express their aromas even more fully and reflect the specific characteristics of the terroir.

Food and wine pairing

To the eye, Mercurey reds are deep and dark, with purplish hues. On the nose, red berries and crunchy forest fruits. With age, notes of undergrowth, leather and game emerge. On the palate, there’s good chewiness and a firmness that’s as simple as it is elegant.

Mercurey whites are golden in color, with green highlights. On the nose, floral notes of mint, lime blossom and hazelnut. Round on the palate.

Mercurey reds are the perfect match for typical regional dishes such as veal with carrots or beef bourguignon. Some like to pair it with a local cheese like Langres.

Mercurey whites go well with starters, seafood or pressed cheeses.