Description: Meursault Montagne Saint-Christophe 2023 SSA | Rougeot Père & Fils
Grown on the hillsides of Meursault, at an altitude of approximately 280 meters, the Meursault Montagne Saint-Christophe 2023 SSA is an exclusive single-vineyard cuvée. It comes from the Chaumes des Narvaux vineyard, located north of the Premier Crus, near renowned climats such as Les Gouttes d’Or. Domaine Rougeot Père & Fils, established in Meursault for nine generations, crafts this Chardonnay with respect for its terroir. The 2023 vintage marks an important milestone in the estate’s history, as it is its first harvest to be officially certified as biodynamic by Demeter.
Terroir and Grape Variety
The Montagne Saint Christophe plot faces southeast on a stony upper slope. The soils, primarily limestone and marl with a well-draining, stony subsoil, demand a certain rigor from the vines. The altitude and exposure to the wind provide a natural freshness that is reflected in the wine’s profile. Here, the Chardonnay produces a fine, taut texture, rooted in minerality rather than richness.
Viticulture and Winemaking
Pierre-Henri Rougeot has gradually evolved the estate’s practices; it has been certified organic since 2017 and will be certified biodynamic by Demeter starting with the 2023 vintage. The grapes are hand-harvested and pressed as whole clusters. Fermentation takes place using indigenous yeasts, and the wine is aged for 12 to 20 months in 228-liter Burgundy barrels, approximately 5% of which are new. It is then transferred to stainless steel tanks, without racking or stirring. For this cuvée with no added sulfur, Pierre-Henri closely monitors each barrel and selects only those that did not require the addition of sulfur. This meticulous selection explains the limited number of bottles available.
Meursault Montagne Saint Christophe 2023 SSA | Rougeot Père & Fils: The Sommelier’s Review
Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin
The Meursault Montagne Saint-Christophe 2023 reveals a fresher, more mineral side of the appellation, a far cry from the rich, buttery profiles with which it is often associated. Situated at high altitude and exposed to the wind, the vines produce a crisp, taut Chardonnay marked by a briny finish. This vintage is also the estate’s first to be Demeter-certified, a significant milestone in its commitment to biodynamics. Still young, this Meursault can be enjoyed now or will gain complexity after a few years in the cellar. Best served at around 12°C in attractive glasses.
The Nose
The nose reveals fresh notes of lemon and white peach, accompanied by a floral hint of acacia. A subtle note of flint rounds out the profile and highlights the wine’s mineral character. Young and expressive, the bouquet remains crisp and natural.
Palate
On the palate, the wine is supple and fruity, with a round texture and pronounced freshness. The acidity balances the whole and extends the tasting experience. The long, briny finish leaves a slight chalky note reminiscent of the soils of the Chaumes des Narvaux.
Meursault: Everything You Need to Know About This Appellation
Meursault is a village appellation in the Côte de Beaune region of Burgundy, known for its often rich and creamy Chardonnays, with notes of hazelnut, butter, and white flowers. While its Premier Crus are particularly renowned, some village wines also offer beautiful complexity, depending on the plots from which they are sourced.
The Montagne Saint-Christophe cuvée offers a different expression of Meursault. Thanks to its high elevation, well-drained soils, and winemaking without added sulfur, it emphasizes freshness and minerality rather than opulence. It reveals another side of the appellation—one that is more taut and direct.
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