Château de Cîteaux Philippe Bouzereau
by
Kathy and Terry Sullivan
Summary: Tourists to the town of Mersault can enjoy a delightful experience with wine and food at Les Terrasses de Citeaux. With views of vineyards, the patio provides a lovely spot to spend an afternoon with a glass of wine.
Domaine Bouzereau Philippe is a family estate with 16 hectares of vineyards. On our tour, Anaïs Laborde noted that the average vineyard in Burgundy is 10 hectares.
Vineyards
The family has been making wine for nine generations. In addition to making wine, they also tend vineyard parcels spread over a large area. Unlike vineyards in other parts of the world, many vineyard owners in Burgundy farm vineyards that are non-contiguous. The Bouzereau family owns multiple small parcels from Aloxe Corton to the north and Santenay to the south. That distance covers 26 kilometers and takes a half hour to drive. As a result, wines reflect a mosaic of an area rather than an individual vineyard. Chardonnay wine grapes come from the towns Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet and Auxey-Duresses. The Pinot Noir grapes are from parcels spread around the towns of Beaune, Aloxe-Corton, Santenay and Auxey-Duresses.
The vineyards include Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with a little Aligote. Pruning is done keeping in mind the growth of the vine over the next two to three years. It was noted that in July 2013 the vineyard is about one month behind because of the cool and rainy weather. Traditionally harvest takes place about 100 days after the flowering of the vines. Sustainable practices are used in the vineyards.
In 1995 Bouzereau replanted the vineyards. This is a village appellation that dates from the mid-19th century. Anais noted that the soil is classified not the wine.
History
Originally the Duke of Bourgogne gave the land to Benedictine monks. The phylloxera killed all of the vines and the vineyards had to be replanted with vines with American rootstock. The castle located near the vineyard was once used as a wine cellar.
Wines
Meursault “Vieux Clos- Wines Monopole Du” 2010 was produced from only grapes from the onsite vineyard in Meursault. Fermentation and malolactic fermentation took place in the barrel. This Chardonnay was a light yellow. The aroma was of vanilla, apple, and pear. The taste was fresh with pear and apple nuances. The wine offered a crisp finish. Meursault Les Narvaux 2009 was a light yellow Chardonnay. Apple notes were on the aroma. The taste was of apple and citrus. The finish was crisp with fruit, and hints of vanilla and caramel. Meursault 1er Cru Charmes 2009 was a yellow Chardonnay with an aroma and taste of smoke. The finish was crisp, long and smoky.
Meursault 2011 was a light ruby Pinot Noir. The aroma and taste offered cherry and tobacco nuances. The finish was crisp and fruity with tannins.
When visiting Burgundy consider a stop at Les Terrasses de Citeaux in the small village of Meursault. Plan to spend time on the terrace in comfortable chairs and under the shade of umbrellas. The tasting room and patio is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm (18:00).
Château de Cîteaux Philippe Bouzereau
7 Place de la République
21190 Meursault, France
GPS: N46º 58’ 39.3” E4º 46’ 13.6”
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