2020 Domaine Joannès Violot-Guillemard Meursault Vireuils

Winery

Domaine Joannès Violot-Guillemard is a traditional family business in Pommard with a history dating back to the nineteenth century. The estate owns vineyards in some of the finest appellations of the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits and is known for its classic Burgundian style. The family works with great respect for the vineyards, with low yields, manual harvesting, and minimal intervention at the forefront. The wines are characterized by their purity, terroir expression, and excellent aging potential. You can find more information about this winery in the Winery tab.

Origin and terroir

Les Vireuils is situated on the higher slopes above the village of Meursault and is one of the most highly regarded climats outside the official Premier Crus. Thanks to its location on a steep slope, the vines benefit from optimal sunlight and excellent drainage. The calcareous soils with a high proportion of stones provide pronounced minerality and fresh tension. This results in Chardonnays with more precision and elegance than many richer cuvées from the lower parts of Meursault.

Grapes and vineyard management

The wine is made from 100% Chardonnay sourced from carefully maintained plots in Les Vireuils. The grapes are harvested entirely by hand and rigorously selected before being pressed. Thanks to low yields and sustainable vineyard management, the grapes develop a beautiful concentration without losing their natural freshness. The combination of old vines and calcareous soils gives the wine extra depth and complexity.

Vinification and aging

After gentle pressing, the must ferments partially in French oak barriques. Subsequently, the wine ages for approximately twelve months on its fine lees in a combination of used and partly new oak barrels. This sur lie aging provides extra creaminess, depth, and a subtle integration of the wood. The maturation supports the structure of the wine without overpowering the mineral character of Les Vireuils.

Color, smell and taste

The wine has a bright golden-yellow color with light green reflections. On the nose, aromas of ripe citrus, white peach, yellow apple, and pear dominate, followed by white flowers, roasted hazelnuts, brioche, butter, and a subtle touch of vanilla. Beneath this lies a distinct mineral undertone of wet limestone and flint. On the palate, the wine is rich and full, yet simultaneously lively and refined. The fresh acidity provides plenty of tension, while the creamy texture pairs beautifully with the long, mineral finish.

Style and character

This Meursault combines the classic richness of the appellation with the refinement and minerality that make Les Vireuils so special. The wine possesses sufficient concentration to age beautifully, yet already displays great harmony and elegance. The combination of ripe fruit, subtle oak influences, and chalky freshness makes this a textbook example of a high-quality white Burgundy.

Volume

The 2020 vintage in the Côte de Beaune produced healthy grapes with high concentration and excellent natural freshness. As a result, this Meursault combines a rich structure with lively acidity and a fine balance. The alcohol content is approximately 13.5%. The expected drinking window runs from 2024 to 2038, during which the wine will continue to develop in the coming years.

Food and wine pairings

This Meursault pairs beautifully with lobster, scallops, turbot, sole, and other refined seafood dishes. Poultry with creamy sauces, veal, mushroom risotto, and creamy cheeses such as Brillat-Savarin or mature Comté also complement the wine's rich yet elegant style perfectly.

Wine & Food Pairing and Discount

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the ideal wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers. In the Food tab, you will find advice on what to look for for the right food and wine pairing, and a number of dish suggestions from our Sommelier.