Domaine Matrot is one of Meursault’s longstanding family-run domaines, with a history that stretches back to 1835. They have been farming vineyards in the Côte de Beaune for generations, and today, the estate is in the capable hands of sisters Elsa and Adèle Matrot – marking a new era of female leadership that’s likely to continue for at least another generation since both of them only have daughters as well. Their parents, Thierry and Pascale Matrot, ran the domaine for many years constantly improving style and techniques and moving to organic farming. Adele and Elsa both did their legwork before joing, by obtaining relevant degrees in viticulture-oenology and management Monpellier, Grenoble, Beaune and Dijon. I met Elsa a few times during Paulées in Meursault and in Geneva over the past years, seeing her walk around with a Magnums of Meursault, which I liked from the first sip. So I was very happy to be able to visit the estate for the first time this spring.
The estate covers around 18 hectares of vines, all in the Côte de Beaune, with a strong focus on Meursault and neighboring villages. Farming is now certified organic, and the domaine manages both village and premier cru holdings in Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, and Auxey-Duresses, along with a few well-regarded red wine parcels in Volnay, Blagny, and Monthelie. The style here is classic with a lovely richness but never heavy-handed—focused on transparency, terroir expression, and purity of fruit.
Worth a special mention is their Bougogne Chardonnay. Matrot has a large plot complemented with purchased fruit. It punches well above its weight and if I look how many Swiss are quaffing uninteresting Chasselas or Pinot Grigio, I think they should switch to something like. A no-brainer, proper white Burg that does not break the bank. It Among their most sought-after white wines are Meursault 1er Cru Perrières, considered their flagship, as well as Meursault 1er Cru Charmes and Meursault 1er Cru Blagny, which show the house’s signature style of crisp acidity and precise structure. But the reds deserve more attention than they sometimes get. The Blagny Rouge 1er Cru La Pièce Sous Le Bois in particular is a standout, combining perfume and finesse with surprising depth for a cooler site. Their Volnay-Santenots and Monthelie bottlings also offer great value and typicity.
Critics have increasingly taken note of the domaine as well. Jasper Morris mentions that the domaine has continued to evolve under the daughters’ stewardship, highlighting “a sense of confidence and refinement” in recent vintages. William Kelley of The Wine Advocate praises the whites for their “chiseled, incisive style” and has drawn attention to the reds as “overlooked gems with impressive ageing potential.” Overall, Domaine Matrot is a name to know – not just for lovers of classic Meursault, but for anyone looking for balanced, terroir-expressive Burgundy at a relatively reasonable price point. Oh, and before I forget to mention, I love their classical labels with a type font that brings you back to the Benedictine Monk. I am glad that they kept it like this.
Wines tasted during the visit
2023 Bourgogne Chardonnay – 90 Points
From a mix of domaine and purchased fruit, around 20% new oak. Ripe citrus and orchard fruit on the nose, with a juicy, well-pitched palate that brings phenolic grip and fine acidity. A terrific example of affordable white Burgundy with real character.
2023 Meursault – 93 Points
Lemon curd and a wisp of struck match introduce a richer palate than the Bourgogne, with a rounded texture and bright, driving finish. Classic village Meursault from a sunny year, but with a firm backbone.
2023 Meursault Charmes – 94 Points
Generous and expressive, offering ripe lemon, yellow apple, and a light mineral reduction. The palate is full and round, yet remains fresh and composed. A textbook Charmes with the volume of the vintage and the finesse of the terroir.
2023 Puligny-Montrachet Les Chalumeaux – 93 Points
More restrained aromatically, with white flowers, citrus zest and a delicate lime note. Linear and precise on the palate, in contrast to the broader Meursaults. A Puligny of finesse and quiet persistence. This may add a point with age.
2023 Bourgogne Rouge – 89-90 Points
From vines in Puligny and Meursault, 100% destemmed, with a soft touch in the cellar – only remontage to preserve finesse. The nose is attractive, with bright red berry fruit and a subtle earthiness. Polished tannins and a gentle structure make this an easy charmer.
2023 Monthélie Rouge – 90 Points
From higher altitude plots, with 12 months in barrel (some new oak) and a short élevage in tank to round things out. More muscular than the Bourgogne, with a spicier profile and firmer tannins, though neatly balanced. Nicely judged for the appellation.
2023 Blagny Rouge – 92 Points
A smoky, slightly wild nose with licorice and dark raspberry. There’s admirable depth and structure for a village wine, with fruit and tannin in good harmony. A real success in the range, complex red Burgundy at an attractive price.
A beautiful spring day in Meursault, with Adèle and Elsa Matrot
Wines tasted during previous occasions
2010 Domaine Matrot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chalumeaux – 95 Points
Wonderful nose with lemon curd, pop corn, vanilla, oak spice and flinty elements. Enters the palate with generous mouth feel, medium bodied, very good freshness. Complex finish, a clear buy.
2016 Domaine Matrot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Combettes – 95 Points
During the La Paulée de Geneve, from MAG. I love the flinty nose here with herbs, lemon zest and some grassy elements. Very good freshness on the palate.
2004 Domaine Matrot Meursault 1er Cru Les Perrières – 96 Points
Ex Domaine MAG. Wow, this 20 year old white Burg was in very goo shape indeed. Chiseled and flinty, very good freshness combined with subtle mushroom patina. Long finish. Proves, if correctly made and stored, aged white Burg is not oxidative.
2004 Domaine Matrot Meursault 1er Cru Charmes – 96 Points
Tasted blind. This was really beautiful. Rich and ripe, flinty, pop corn, yet with enough minerality and lift. I preferred this miles to the Lafon Genevrieres next to it.
2006 Domaine Matrot Meursault 1er Cru Les Perrières – 95 Points
Very nice showing of one of my favorite white wine plots. Elegant nose of oak, citrus, vanilla, flowers. Creamy rich palate that stays fresh balanced.
2013 Domaine Matrot Meursault 1er Cru Les Perrières – 95 Points
Nose of mineral, fennel, wheat grass. Very Perriere style. Subtle and racy palate, great freshness and long finish. I like these mineralic Meursault Chards al lot, not too rich and buttery for a Meursault, yet generous enough to please a broader audience as well.
Author: Christian Raubach, WSET III, FWS, WSG Champagne Master
April, 2025