What I Learned
Mercurey is a small appellation in the Cote Chalonnaise wine sub-region of Burgundy. This appellation has about 800 hectares under vine, spread between the villages of Saint Martin sous Montaigu, and Mercurey, with its hamlets of Touches, Chamirey and Etroyes. A number of Premier Cru are found throughout this area. Viewing the area, one is struck by the number of clos – enclosed vineyards.
About 85 percent of total harvest comes from its famed Pinot Noir grapes, which do exceptionally well in its soils. A parcel entitled Les Ruelles is known in particular for its clay soil, almost blood red in color due to its high iron content, giving wines from this parcel distinct flavors. Total red wine production in this AOC is about 3.3 million bottles every year.
However, the vintners in the area also produce white wine from Chardonnay grapes. These wines can be smooth and rich. The white wines consist of only about 15 percent of total production.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the classic hallmarks of Burgundian wine. They both do very well in the soils of this part of Burgundy. Furthermore, the production of wines from these grapes have centuries of tradition and know-how behind them. The difference can be said to lie in the price/quality ratio. Whereas the price for the excellent wines of the nearby Cote d’Or is fairly high, similar wines from the Mercurey appellation sell for less.
What I Tasted
2017 Pinot Noir, Les Croichots, Appellation Mercurey Premier Cru Controlee, Domaine de Suremain (Mercurey): A dry red wine with medium minus ruby red color; strong cherry nose, with cherry and slightly green wood flavors; high tannins*.
2017 Pinot Noir, Clos de l’Eveque, Appellation Mercurey Premier Cru Controlee, Domaine de Suremain: A dry red wine with medium ruby red color; cherry and red berry nose, with cherry and red berry flavors; medium plus tannins, surprisingly smooth*.
2015 Pinot Noir, Clos des Ruelles, Appellation Mercurey Premier Cru Controlee, Domaine Château de Chamirey : A dry red wine with dark minus ruby red color; red cherry and blackberry nose and flavors, with high tannins.
2016 Pinot Noir, En Sazenay, Appellation Mercurey Premier Cru Controlee, Domaine de Suremain: A dry red wine with medium plus ruby red color; a fruity, red berry nose, with red berry and peppery spice flavors; medium tannins and smooth finish. (See Cellar)
2016 Chardonnay, La Perriere, Appellation Mercurey Controlee, Domaine Duvernay (Mercurey): A dry white wine with medium plus yellow gold color; vanilla and spice notes on the nose, with spice, vanilla, and smoky oak flavors; a full-bodied wine with mild plus acidity, and a velvety, smooth finish.
*Tasted one week after bottling