Meursault

Meursault is one of the many villages of Burgundy and one with a strong reputation for fine wine. (What place in Burgundy doesn't have that reputation?) It is about 6km from Beaune and, like all the Burgundian villages, is surrounded by grapes. The major challenge today fell on our bus driver who negotiated the narrow village streets to get us to our destination, about 1k from the town center. He earned applause after making a particularly tough turn without scraping mirrors and flattening bike riders. 

We enjoyed a liesurerly stroll along the ancient stone-fenced vineyards (called "clos") and, guided by the church steeple, ended up in the middle of the town. I suppose the word "charming" can be used for every French wine village and Meursalt certainly fit the bill. The centuries old buildings, classic architecture and reverence for its wine fulfill the stereotype. 

After another fabulous meal, we marveled at the sights as we walked the wisteria and lilac lined streets. 

But, hey, we're here for the wine and entered the Chateau Meursalt for an informative cave tour and tasting. Our guide Laura led us through the labarynth of caves capable of holding one million bottles of wine. The bottles stay in the caves until the wine maker decides they are ready for release. 

The caves date back to the 11th century when monks excavated the first ones. Other excavations took place in the 14th and 18th centuries. 

Laura offered an excellent tasting of both white (chardonnay) and red (pinot noir) wines produced by the chateau. We all noticed Laura's excellent English. Turns out she attended the University of North Carolina where she was an exchange student improving her English while studying hospitality management, communications and business. 

The tour complete and the wine purchased, we returned to the hotel where a rousing reception sent everyone to dinner in a jovial mood. Julie and Steve demonstrated a very interesting game using wine corks in a way I'm sure God never intended.