Located in the heart of Meursault, the Genevrières climat takes its name from the juniper trees that once lined its plots. This lieu-dit enjoys a long-standing reputation: as early as 1855, it was listed as one of the "Têtes de cuvée" in Dr. Lavalle's reference work, Histoire et Statistiques de la vigne et des Grands Vins de la Côte-d'Or, well before the institution of the Premiers and Grands Crus classifications.
Maison Bouchard Père & Fils farms 1.85 hectares of the appellation's 16.48 hectares in production, making it one of the Domaines of reference on this emblematic terroir. The grapes from these east- and southeast-facing vines, planted on clay-limestone soils mixed with gravel and traces of iron, are often among the first Chardonnays harvested at Domaine, testifying to the early ripening and balanced character of Genevrières.
On tasting, the wine reveals immediate complexity, with a refined bouquet blending white fruit, delicate flowers and a subtle toasty structure. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and silky, but always taut with the liveliness characteristic of the climate, giving it real depth without heaviness. The voluptuous, persistent finish promises to evolve over five to seven years, or even longer, depending on the vintage.
This Meursault Premier Cru goes perfectly with noble dishes such as fish in sauce or foie gras, and should be served between 12 and 14°C to fully reveal its aromatic nuances.
The grapes are harvested by hand, in small 13 kg crates, with each bunch carefully sorted. Pressing is a two-stage process, beginning with the evacuation of free-run juice, followed by a slow cycle lasting around two hours. Aging takes place over 9 to 10 months in French oak barrels, with up to 15% new wood depending on the vintage profile, then extends for a further 3 to 4 months in stainless steel tanks to perfect the balance. Finally, the wine is matured in the historic Bastions cellars of the former Château of Beaune, whose natural conditions offer an ideal environment for maturing the House's Premiers Crus.
