What happens when a producer with vineyards in Meursault, the Olympus of Chardonnay, decides to create a “basic” wine with the same care and passion he reserves for his most prestigious crus? What happens is that a gem like this Bourgogne Blanc Côte d'Or from Domaine Vincent Bouzereau is born. Meursault, in the heart of the Côte de Beaune, is such an important village for Chardonnay that its name is synonymous with white wines of the highest calibre. The secret, as always in Burgundy, lies in the soil. Here, the soils are a mixture of clay and limestone, which not only give the grape variety an unmistakable mineral character, but also ensure a marked acidity and structure, essential for a long-lived white wine. The AOC Bourgogne Côte d'Or is relatively new (established in 2017) but extremely significant. It was created to promote the white and red wines of Burgundy's most prized strip (the Côte d'Or), ensuring that the grapes come exclusively from these select territories. Vincent Bouzereau's approach is meticulous and traditional. After soft pressing, the must is fermented using only the indigenous yeasts present on the grapes and in the cellar. This choice makes all the difference, as it preserves the typical characteristics of the vintage and the territory. Ageing is another key factor: 10-12 months in oak barrels, in contact with the yeasts, give the wine the rich roundness typical of the Meursault style, without weighing it down. Straw yellow in colour, often with golden reflections that become more pronounced with age. The nose is floral and charming. Hints of white flowers, such as acacia, mingle with notes of ripe yellow fruit (peach, apple) and, above all, a vibrant sensation of citrus that immediately entices you to take a sip. The palate is rich and full, well balanced by a remarkable freshness. The attack is enveloping, almost creamy, but the persistence is supported by a pleasant acidic and citrusy vein that cleanses the mouth. This balance between opulence and liveliness is its winning feature. An incredibly versatile white wine, it pairs well with raw fish and shellfish, sushi and sashimi, and quiches or savoury pies.