Who could have foretold to the Comtesse de Chérisey that the family domaine in the ancient village of Blagny, established in 1811, would eventually become one of the most esteemed references in the Côte de Beaune today?
For a long time, this small village was overlooked. Perched atop the hill, nestled between the illustrious towns of Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet, its altitude—reaching 400 metres—seemed to be a disadvantage. However, what was once a drawback is now a blessing. In the context of global warming, this higher altitude provides a cooler microclimate, preserving the acidity, tension, and freshness in the wines. Thus, Blagny has transformed from the quiet sibling into a strategic enclave.
The definitive boost came from Hélène—daughter of the Comtesse—and her husband Laurent Martelet, who decisively embraced organic viticulture and a more precise interpretation of the terroir. More recently, the addition of their daughter Bérénice and her husband, the oenologist Rémi Colin (nephew of the legendary Arnaud Ente), has injected a genuine infusion of new blood. The result is a new generation of wines that are more vibrant, refined, and full of energy.
If there is one bottle that encapsulates this new era, it is Meursault-Blagny 1er Cru La Genelotte, a high-end white from a monopole vineyard—exclusively owned by the domaine—located in Blagny. The plot, approximately one hectare and planted in the 1950s, rests on limestone soils that impart a pronounced minerality and natural elegance. Moreover, the vineyard's orientation favours a slow and balanced ripening, crucial for maintaining freshness.
Produced exclusively with chardonnay cultivated using organic methods, the wine ferments with indigenous yeasts and is aged for about 18 months in 228-litre French oak barrels. It is neither filtered nor clarified, aiming to preserve maximum purity and aromatic complexity.
With a sophisticated and contemporary expression of Meursault, Comtesse de Chérisey Meursault-Blagny 1er Cru La Genelotte confirms that Blagny is no longer a secret... and that Comtesse de Chérisey rightfully plays in the premier league of the Côte de Beaune.