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Mercurey

Burgundy

DijonBeauneNuits-St-GeorgesMeursaultChalon-sur-SaôneMercureyMercurey

Côte d’Or & Côte Chalonnaise

The largest and most well-known appellation in the Côte Chalonnaise, with 30 premier crus to its name. Mercurey reds are generous and approachable, making this a great appellation for discovering what Burgundy Pinot Noir is all about.

The wines of Mercurey are made primarily from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay.

215–385 m

Elevation range

red

Wine styles

2 Grand Crus

Avg. slope 8°

30 Premier Crus

Avg. slope 7°

56 Vineyards

Avg. slope 5.7°

Vineyard Map

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Nearby Appellations

To the north Rully

To the south Givry

Add Mercurey to your Discoveries. When you taste one, you can tick it off.

Terroir & Character

Climate

Protected by hills from western winds, Mercurey enjoys a slightly warmer microclimate than northern Côte Chalonnaise appellations. The east-facing slopes capture morning sun while the limestone soils provide good heat retention, extending the growing season.

Terroir

LimestoneMarl

Mercurey sits on Middle Jurassic limestone bedrock with alternating layers of marl and harder limestone formations that create natural drainage channels. The limestone is rich in fossilized marine organisms from ancient seas, and the marl layers retain moisture while allowing deep root penetration through fractures in the underlying bedrock.

Typical Aromas

red cherryblackcurrantspiceearthleather
Explore the aroma wheel

Notable Producers

Michel JuillotLeading Mercurey, Clos Tonnerre
Chateau de ChamireyDevillard family, top Mercurey estate

Grapes of Mercurey

Pinot Noir

Red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
strawberryraspberryred cherryviolet

The benchmark Pinot Noir. Côte de Nuits leans structured and dark-cherried, Côte de Beaune turns perfumed and supple, both ageing into forest floor and truffle.

Chardonnay

White
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
green applelemonpearnectarine

Chardonnay's homeland. Chablis stays steely and citrus-driven, the Côte de Beaune turns rich and hazelnutty, the Mâconnais sits comfortably between.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mercurey known for?▼
Mercurey is known as the largest and most well-known appellation in Burgundy's Côte Chalonnaise. It's particularly recognized for producing generous and approachable Pinot Noir wines that serve as an excellent introduction to Burgundy reds.
What does Mercurey wine taste like?▼
Mercurey wines are generous and approachable, offering classic Burgundian character without excessive complexity. The reds showcase Pinot Noir's elegant fruit flavors with good structure from the limestone and marl soils.
What grapes are grown in Mercurey?▼
Mercurey primarily grows Pinot Noir for red wines, which make up the majority of production. Some Chardonnay is also grown for white wines, following traditional Burgundian grape varieties.
How many premier crus does Mercurey have?▼
Mercurey has 30 premier crus, which is quite exceptional for a Côte Chalonnaise appellation. This large number of premier cru sites reflects the appellation's quality potential and diverse terroir.
What soil types are found in Mercurey?▼
Mercurey's vineyards are planted on limestone and marl soils. These calcareous soils are typical of Burgundy and contribute to the wines' mineral backbone and aging potential.

Map data: INAO, Cadastre, manual adjustments · Imagery: Sentinel-2 cloudless by EOX IT Services GmbH (CC BY 4.0)