2020 Bouchard Père & Fils Meursault "Les Clous", Burgundy, France

ABOUT THE WINE

Les Clous is a named village-level vineyard above Meursault, where Bouchard Père & Fils holds 3.32 hectares. The Chardonnay grows on an east- to southeast-facing marl-and-limestone plateau at approximately 280–300 meters. Bouchard treats this site separately because of its distinctive soils and the character they bring to the wine; the name “Clous” is a historical variation of “Clos.”

The house’s approach includes hand harvesting in small crates, careful sorting and a gradual pressing cycle. French oak maturation develops texture, with a limited proportion of new barrels used according to the vintage, followed by a period in stainless steel. This combination helps balance Meursault’s natural breadth with the freshness that defines Les Clous.

Fruit and floral aromas are complemented by a mineral accent and delicate oak. The palate brings richness without losing vibrancy. Fish with beurre blanc or another light sauce is a particularly good match; we also suggest roast chicken or a creamy mushroom dish.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Bouchard Père & Fils began in 1731, when cloth merchant Michel Bouchard settled in Beaune and developed his wine business. His son Joseph acquired the family’s first vineyards in 1775, in Pommard’s Les Combes premier cru, establishing the estate alongside the merchant house.

In 1820, Bernard Bouchard purchased the Château de Beaune, whose underground galleries became aging cellars. That long history of maturation and vineyard acquisition remains central to the domaine’s identity. Its approach is to respond to each parcel and vintage rather than apply a single recipe across Burgundy. During the period of this 2020 vintage, cellar master Frédéric Weber emphasized attentive vineyard work and adapting winemaking to the fruit each site delivered.