At a glance

Producer

Domaine Henri Germain et Fils

Region

Meursault 1er Cru Les Perrières, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France

Grape variety

Chardonnay

Wine type

White

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$220-$350 USD (2024 retail range, varies by provenance and condition)

Tasting profile

Lemon zest, white peach, flint, toasted hazelnut, subtle oak; tightly coiled and energetic.

Evolution: Opens toward richer brioche, roasted almonds, honey, and signature Perrières minerality with age.

At peak: Elegant, complex balance of citrus, stone fruits, wet stone, creamy texture, and saline finish.

Structure

Acidity

High, racy but balanced by fruit weight.

Tannins

Very low (as expected for Chardonnay, more phenolic grip than true tannin).

Alcohol

Moderate, typically 13-13.5% ABV for this vintage.

Aging potential

Strong; 10-15 years cellaring potential under ideal conditions.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2052

Optimal window

2027 to 2055

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Fresh, vibrant acidity; firm but integrated structure. Not fully matured but very promising.

Meursault 1er Cru Les Perrières is revered for its combination of power and finesse; 2020 is a classically structured vintage with precise acidity and defined minerality. The best drinking window typically emerges after 5-7 years, with the wine remaining at peak for several more years if well stored.

Food pairing

Seared scallops, lobster, roasted poultry, creamy mushroom dishes, Comté cheese.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 5/10

Sustainable-minded vineyard management: grass cover crops, limited synthetic inputs, focus on soil health. No chemical herbicides, but not fully organic. Traditional vinification with minimal intervention; standard glass bottles and closures.

Domaine Henri Germain et Fils is a traditional small family producer, known for careful vineyard stewardship and reduced chemical usage, but without third-party environmental certifications or cutting-edge sustainability initiatives. Their approach is attentive and ecologically conscious by Burgundy standards, though not as progressive as fully certified organic or biodynamic domaines. Packaging is standard for fine Burgundy; carbon footprint is mainly driven by international shipping and glass weight. Overall, sustainability is mid-range, reflecting a thoughtful but not leading-edge position among Burgundy producers.