Mercurey

Overview

Mercurey is the leading appellation of the Côte Chalonnaise, the region south of the Côte d’Or. It produces primarily Pinot Noir (about 85%) and some Chardonnay. Quality is often excellent and prices are substantially lower than the Côte d’Or. Domaine Michel Juillot et Fils is the benchmark producer. The appellation also produces Corton grand cru (rouge and blanc) under the Corton AOC.

Key Producers

• Domaine Michel Juillot et Fils

Premier Crus (highlights)

Clos Tonnerre, Clos des Barraults, Les Champs Martins, Les Naugues, Clos du Roi.

Style Notes

Mercurey reds show red and black cherry, earth, and a rustic spice. Less complex than Côte d’Or, but at their best (especially from old vines) they offer genuine terroir expression at excellent value. The whites can surprise with their mineral precision.

Vintage Notes

• 2023: Outstanding year at Juillot for both whites and reds. Gilman says the 2023 Juillot whites are “perhaps the greatest wines I have yet tasted from this outstanding estate.” Best Mercurey Blancs from 2023 are superior to many Meursault/Puligny bottlings. The reds show beautiful sappy fruit, soil transparency, and aging potential to 2070+. Full notes: see Mâconnais and Côte Chalonnaise: 2023 and 2022 Vintages and Domaine Michel Juillot et Fils.

• 2024: Michel Juillot performed well — Clos Tonnerre (92), Champs Martins (92+), Clos des Barraults (93), Corton Perrières (95+), Corton-Charlemagne (96 — “a legend in the making”). Juillot’s vines average 60–70 years old in premier crus, planted 1960s.

My Tastings

(none yet)

Sources

• sources/articles/VFTC/VFTC Jan-Feb 2026 #121.pdf
• sources/articles/VFTC/VFTC March-April 2025 #116.txt (pp. 20–22, 38–40)