Buisson-Charles
Summary
Domaine Buisson-Charles is a small family estate in Meursault with under 10 hectares of limestone-rich vineyards across the Côte de Beaune, focusing primarily on Chardonnay production from village and premier cru sites. Under the collaborative leadership of Michel Buisson, his daughter Catherine, and her husband Patrick Essa, the domaine has gained increasing recognition since the 1990s for their traditional barrel fermentation techniques and minimal intervention approach that balances richness with precise terroir expression.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Buisson-Charles is a small family estate situated in Meursault in Burgundy's Côte de Beaune. The domaine's origins trace back to the late 19th or early 20th century, with a history intertwined with the Buisson family name. The estate was previously known as Buisson-Battault before a family division led to the establishment of the current Buisson-Charles identity.
The estate is reportedly operated by Michel Buisson alongside his daughter Catherine Buisson and her husband Patrick Essa, though current management structure may have evolved. Patrick has assumed a significant role in winemaking decisions since joining the family business. The domaine gained increased recognition in the Burgundy wine landscape during the 1980s and 1990s as their commitment to quality and terroir expression became more widely acknowledged.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine Buisson-Charles maintains vineyard holdings primarily in the Meursault appellation, including parcels in several Meursault premier crus, likely including Les Charmes. The total estate size is relatively small, probably under 10 hectares. The estate also cultivates vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet and possibly Volnay, along with other Côte de Beaune locations. The vineyards are situated on the limestone-rich soils that characterize the Côte de Beaune region, providing the mineral foundation that defines their wines.
The domaine focuses predominantly on Chardonnay production, particularly from their Meursault vineyards, while also producing Pinot Noir from their Côte de Beaune holdings. Their portfolio encompasses village-level wines, premier cru bottlings, and regional appellations, offering a comprehensive expression of their terroirs. The premier cru vineyards carry the official Premier Cru designation in accordance with Burgundy's appellation system.
Philosophy & Practice
Domaine Buisson-Charles adheres to traditional Burgundian winemaking techniques. For their white wines, this includes barrel fermentation and aging on lees, practices that contribute to the textural complexity and aging potential of their Chardonnays. Under Patrick Essa's influence, the winemaking approach emphasizes minimal intervention and purity of expression.
The estate likely employs sustainable viticulture with careful vineyard management practices across their holdings, focusing on maintaining the health and quality of their vines. Their Meursault wines display precision and minerality while retaining the richness characteristic of the appellation. The domaine uses oak aging as part of their winemaking regimen, likely with a percentage of new oak that is moderate by Burgundy standards, balancing the influence of wood with the expression of terroir in their finished wines.