Domaine du Pavillon, Meursault, Burgundy, France, 2023

Producer Profile

Located south of Pommard, Domaine du Pavillon is Albert Bichot’s flagship Côte de Beaune estate.

The domaine covers 19.5 hectares, with vineyards across some of the Côte de Beaune’s most renowned appellations, including Meursault, Pommard, Volnay, Corton and Corton-Charlemagne, with holdings in some of the region’s finest vineyard sites. The estate itself includes vineyards, a winery, cellars and an 18th-century manor surrounded by walls. Almost 4 hectares are dedicated to the domaine’s production of Pommard Clos des Ursulines monopole. Organic viticulture is practised throughout the estate, while the winery was modernised in 2016, allowing individual parcels to be vinified separately and with greater precision.

Viticulture

Sourced from three distinct vineyard parcels in the heart of Meursault, this Chardonnay is grown on calcareous clay soils containing white marls. The estate's 3.30-hectare holding is planted with vines averaging 35 to 40 years of age. The differing soil depths, slope characteristics and terroirs of the individual plots contribute layers of richness, complexity and minerality to the finished wine.

Winemaking

The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted before gentle pressing to preserve fruit purity and vineyard expression. Alcoholic fermentation is followed by extended ageing on fine lees, allowing the wine to develop greater texture, complexity and aromatic depth while retaining freshness and balance. Matured on fine lees in French oak barrels for 14 to 16 months, with 20% to 30% new oak. This ageing regime contributes subtle toast, texture and complexity while maintaining the elegance and character of the Meursault terroir.

Tasting Note

Rich and sophisticated, this Meursault reveals aromas of lightly toasted oak, elegant white flowers and ripe white and yellow orchard fruits. The palate is silky and generous, combining impressive richness with vibrant freshness and balance. A long, aromatic finish with subtle brioche notes adds further complexity and charm.

Food matching

Superb with butter-poached lobster, roast chicken with morels, turbot and creamy Parmesan risotto.