Definition: Paulée de Meursault

In Burgundy, the paulée is a traditional meal where wine lovers, winegrowers and grape pickers gather after the harvest. The photo above shows the imposing Château de Meursault.

In Burgundy, the paulée is the traditional meal that wine lovers, winegrowers and grape pickers enjoy together after the harvest. The photo above shows the imposing Château de Meursault.

A banquet marking the end of the harvest in certain regions, to which each producer brings their wine. The most famous is the Paulée de Meursault in Burgundy. The Paulée de Paris and the Paulée du Val de Loire are more recent creations.

Paulée de Meursault 2005

The 73rd of its name, the Paulée de Meursault is the third of the three glorious events; it takes place every year on the day after the traditional Hospices de Beaune auction. Originally, the Paulée was a meal that brought together the appellation's winegrowers to taste their respective vintages together. This celebration quickly became an unmissable event that brings together winegrowers and their best customers from all over the world. Everyone brings their best bottles to share. Not only Burgundy wines are tasted, but also wines from France and around the world. This open-mindedness is a credit to the winegrowers of Meursault.

The 73rd Paulée was presided over by academician Erik Orsenna (http://www.erik-orsenna.com/erik_orsenna_qui.php).

It was a dry, cold day with bright sunshine when we arrived at the Château de Meursault at 1 p.m. We had previously enjoyed an aperitif at the home of winemaker Hubert Chavy, accompanied by excellent fresh foie gras cooked in salt in a cloth. The aperitif set the tone for the day: Grande Dame 1990 from Veuve Clicquot!

The dishes followed one after another, showcasing the excellent wines served during the meal.

First the white wines, then the reds... Here are just a few of the wines that graced our table:

Comte Lafont: Meursault 2000, Meursault Genevrières 1999, Charmes 1996,

Comte de Vogüe: Bourgogne blanc 1999 (from young Musigny vines),

Hubert Chavy: Genevrières 2003, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1994, Folatières 1999, Charmes 1997, Closdes Corvées de Citeaux 1998, Meursault Grands Charrons 1995

Philippe Chavy: Meursault Corvées des Vignes 2000,

François Mikulski: Meursault Poruzots 2000 and Meursault Caillerets (red) 2000,

Coche-Dury: Meursault Perrières 1992, 1995, Volnay 1989 (excellent!),

Domaine Monnnier: Meursault Les Chevalières 2001, Pommard Epenots 1999,

Vincent Girardin: Quintessence de Charlemagne 2002 (superb!),

Domaine Leflaive: Meursault Genevrières 1990 and 1992, Meursault 2002 Les Narvaux,

Franck Grux (who also works at Leflaive): Meursault Les Meix Chavaux 2002,

Domaine Lagiche: Montrachet 1992,

Domaine Tollot: Chorey Les Beaune 2003, Savigny Lavières 2003,

Alain Patriarche: Genevrières 1990,

Domaine Sirugue: Vosne Romanée 2000 and Vosne Romanée Les Petits Monts 1999,

Domaine Jouan: Clos Saint Denis 1998,

Joseph Boillot: Pommard Les Rugiens 1999,

H. Boillot: Volnay Caillerets 1999,

Dujac: Clos de La Roche 1989,

Dusserre: Pommard 1984 (still astonishing in terms of structure and balance),

Raveneau: Chablis Premier Cru Montée de Tonnerre 1998

Robert Arnoux: Echezeaux 2001

Philippe Charlopin: Chambertin 2001 (Drink a great wine at least once in your life, to quote Ph. Charlopin during service).

From elsewhere:

Jean-Louis Chave: Hermitage 2000.

Vieux Telegraphe: 2003, Châteauneuf du Pape.

Duhart Milon 1993: Pauillac.

Pavie 1992, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru,

Vega Sicilia Unico 1985, Ribera de Duero,

Roda 1: Reserva 2002,

Santa Ana 1861, Bodega Emilio Hidalgo, Pedro Ximenez,

Quinta da Noval: Colheita 1974,

Dom Perignon 1995.

Of all these wines (we have certainly forgotten some), the following were particularly appreciated:

- the Genevrières vertical tasting proposed by Hubert Chavy, with a special mention for the very promising 2002

- Vega Sicilia 1985, Unico: we know it's a great wine, but this is confirmed with every tasting... a monster that still amazes with its balance, freshness and fruitiness. A work of art!

- Santa Ana 1861: this naturally sweet wine is a blend, the oldest part of which dates back to 1861. Exceptionally complex and long-lasting.

For more information, click on the link below:

To read the report on the 2002 Paulée de Meursault, chaired by

To read the report on the 2003 Paulée de Meursault, chaired by Denise Bombardier, a Canadian writer who fights to defend our language.

To read the report on the 2004 Paulée de Meursault, chaired by Pierre Schoendoerffer. The writer and filmmaker enjoyed recalling the dreamlike quality that makes up the mystery of the culture of quality wine.

Paulée de Meursault 2007

Max Gallo, who was supposed to chair the 2007 Paulée, did not attend due to transport difficulties between Paris and Beaune. But as is now customary, when the president does not attend, he sends his wife... and Mrs Gallo was able to bring back to Paris the 100 bottles of Meursault from Domaine Thévenot, which had been given to her husband but were being held hostage.

To read the article: La Paulée - also a literary prize.

La Paulée de Meursault takes place every year on the third Monday in November, the day after the Hospices de Beaune wine auction. On this occasion, a grand lunch is organised in the splendid setting of the Meursault winery. Each year, a jury awards the Paulée de Meursault prize to a writer, who receives 100 bottles of vintage wine. The winner presides over the Paulée lunch.

Venue: Château de Meursault. - Rue du Moulin Foulot - 21190 Meursault.

Further information is available on the website at: