Meursault vs Puligny-Montrachet
Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet are neighbouring Côte de Beaune villages making Chardonnay whites: the first is usually broader; the second, more taut and floral.
Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet are two adjoining communes in the Côte de Beaune, the southern half of the Côte d'Or in Burgundy. Both make mostly white wine from Chardonnay, often fermented and aged in barrel, and both have well-known premiers crus. The main difference is style: more breadth in Meursault, more tension in Puligny. Puligny-Montrachet also has grands crus within its boundaries, while Meursault has none.
Comparison table
| Aspect | Meursault | Puligny-Montrachet |
|---|---|---|
| Grape | Chardonnay for white; a small amount of red from Pinot Noir | Chardonnay for white; a small amount of red from Pinot Noir |
| Location | Côte de Beaune (Burgundy), north of Puligny-Montrachet | Côte de Beaune (Burgundy), between Meursault and Chassagne-Montrachet |
| Classification | Village and premier cru (e.g. Perrières, Charmes, Genevrières); no grand cru | Village and premier cru (e.g. Les Pucelles, Les Combettes, Les Folatières); grands crus such as Montrachet or Chevalier-Montrachet lie within its boundaries and are sold under their own names |
| Style and body | Medium to full body, rich and rounded texture | Medium body, a more taut and linear profile, pronounced acidity |
| Winemaking | Barrel fermentation and ageing are common; the share of new oak depends on the producer | Barrel fermentation and ageing are common; the share of new oak depends on the producer |
| Aromas | Hazelnut, toasted almond, butter and ripe yellow fruit | White flowers, citrus, apple and mineral notes |
| Serving temperature | 11-13 °C | 10-12 °C |
| On the list | A name well known to guests looking for fuller-bodied whites | Usually priced somewhat higher than a Meursault of comparable level |
Key differences
- 1
Meursault lies to the north and Puligny-Montrachet to the south, between Meursault and Chassagne-Montrachet.
- 2
Meursault usually gives broader, richer whites; Puligny-Montrachet, more taut and linear ones.
- 3
Meursault often shows nutty and buttery notes; Puligny, white flowers, citrus and mineral notes.
- 4
Puligny-Montrachet has grands crus within its boundaries; Meursault has none, though it does have well-known premiers crus.
- 5
At a comparable level, Puligny-Montrachet is usually priced somewhat higher than Meursault.
Which one to recommend?
When to recommend Meursault
Recommend Meursault to guests who enjoy whites with body, texture and nutty notes. It works very well with butter or cream sauces, poultry and mushrooms.
View entry: MeursaultWhen to recommend Puligny-Montrachet
Recommend Puligny-Montrachet to guests who prefer a taut, floral, precise white. It is a good choice for delicate fish, shellfish and dishes with light sauces.
View entry: Puligny-MontrachetOn the wine list
- List Côte de Beaune whites from north to south (Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet) so the list reflects the geography.
- State the level (village or premier cru) and the vineyard name where there is one, for example “Meursault 1er Cru Charmes”.
- Describe the style in a few words, such as “broad and rich” or “taut and floral”, so floor staff can recommend with confidence.
Food pairings
Meursault
- Lobster in butter sauce
- Free-range chicken with cream and morels
- Aged Comté
- Mushroom risotto
Puligny-Montrachet
- Sole meunière
- Seared scallops
- Baked turbot
- Grilled prawns
Frequently asked questions
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