2012 Stephane de Sousa Meursault

Burgundy, France

Stéphane De Sousa began working in his family’s vineyards in the Côte d’Or at an early age and, after a stint in the medical and biotechnology field, he returned to the family business full time. He spent two years training at the viticulture school in Beaune and another year working hands-on at Domaine Jean-Claude Rateau (the first winery to practice biodynamic farming in Burgundy) before launching his own label with the 2011 vintage, working out of his grandfather’s cellar.

His fruit comes from a combination of vines he purchased in 2013, his family’s vines, and his friend’s vineyards, which he sharecrops. He works sustainably, plowing to clear weeds and compost for fertilizer. In the cellar he uses only native yeasts for fermentation and small amounts of new oak so the terroir is never obscured. Though still a very young domaine he is already producing some very exciting wines. In an area where things change very slowly and rarely, it is always exciting when a new voice appears, and Stéphane is one to keep an eye on.

Stephane de Sousa Meursault La Roche Brulee is a beautiful Chardonnay from this renowned Burgundian appellation. It comes from 30-year-old vines, aged for 12 months in 20% new oak barrels. It offers beautiful aromas of apples, acacia, almond and hazelnut. Only 75 cases were produced.

Enjoy Stephane de Sousa Meursault with grilled sausages, roast chicken, grilled halibut, lobster salad and cheeses.