New Arrivals from Comtesse de Chérisey
by Tom Wolf
Chérisey’s vines in the hamlet of Blagny
© Madison H. Brown
Chérisey’s vines in the hamlet of Blagny
© Madison H. Brown
New Arrivals from Comtesse de Chérisey
by Tom Wolf
Even though Kermit advertised a bottle of Meursault-Blagny in his very first newsletter and has championed this appellation in the five decades since, for a long time, the hamlet of Blagny, high on the hill above Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet, never quite garnered the same attention as the exalted sites along these villages’ lower slopes. A few decades ago, only some of the most curious vignerons made wine from Blagny’s vines, bordering the forest at the top of the hill. The grapes up there ripened later and less reliably than those down below. And as Kermit wrote about Jobard’s Meursault-Blagny in 1980, “It has some of the austerity of Chablis, and is always firmer, more reticent than other Meursaults when young.” Today, however, the tables have turned, and these vines are among the most coveted in Meursault and Puligny. This is in large part thanks to Blagny’s greatest proponent, Laurent Martelet, who has put the hamlet on the map over the last three decades. His domaine, Comtesse de Chérisey, is the specialist in Blagny’s incredible terroirs, serving most notably as the sole steward of the Genelotte premier cru.
We are extraordinarily fortunate that such impressive land has fallen into the hands of such a rigorous and painstaking vigneron as Laurent. In the past few years, Laurent and his daughter Laurette, who recently joined him at the domaine, have performed extensive terroir studies, converted the domaine to be carbon-neutral, experimented with fava planting for better soil retention, committed themselves to sourcing wood for their barrels and vineyard stakes from the Bois de Blagny just above, and built birdhouses among the vines to foster more biodiversity. It is impossible for me to imagine better stewards, and of course all of this thoughtfulness translates to awe-inspiring whites and reds.
Wines In The Collection
Comtesse de Chérisey France | Burgundy
Chardonnay reaches incredible heights in this bottle of Meursault. Each glass is a unique and memorable experience.
Domaine Comtesse de Chérisey France | Burgundy
De Chérisey produces classic Chardonnay that seems as if from a different time. White Burgundy like this doesn’t come around very often.
Domaine Comtesse de Chérisey France | Burgundy
Power, finesse, succulence, and striking acidity... Pair with delicate crab meat and relish in the experience.
Domaine Comtesse de Chérisey France | Burgundy
This red is a deep, earthy, and stately gem, one that makes you feel grateful for the handful of Pinot Noir vines allowed up along these heights.
France | Burgundy
Chardonnay reaches incredible heights in this bottle of Meursault. Each glass is a unique and memorable experience.
France | Burgundy
De Chérisey produces classic Chardonnay that seems as if from a different time. White Burgundy like this doesn’t come around very often.
France | Burgundy
Power, finesse, succulence, and striking acidity... Pair with delicate crab meat and relish in the experience.
France | Burgundy
This red is a deep, earthy, and stately gem, one that makes you feel grateful for the handful of Pinot Noir vines allowed up along these heights.
More Collections
A Standout Trilogy from the Loire
The soils at Domaine de Reuilly rest on the prized Kimmeridgian limestone, a geological chain that runs through nearby Sancerre as well as Chablis and southern Champagne. This limestone is characterized by its high content of marine fossils dating back 150 million years and is known for producing exceptional wines across several appellations…
Nothing Taken Out
You have probably heard us applaud many of our vignerons for bottling unfiltered. Kermit even earned a reputation for importing wines that had not been subject to filtration, going so far as to request a special unfiltered bottling for the US from many producers following years of comparative tastings with domaines such as Tempier and Vieux Télégraphe…
Kermit’s Best Bargains
For five decades, Kermit has sought out France and Italy’s highest-quality selections at all price levels, so we can imbibe thoughtfully crafted wines without breaking the bank. Budget-friendly yet reliably delicious…
A Classic, Vibrant Vintage from Famille Savary
Certain wine estates are all about the story: centuries of family production, obscure heirloom grape varieties, perilous vertical vineyards, radical production methods... With Domaine Savary, forget the fluff and romantic backstory. Focus instead on what’s in your glass: delicious, vibrant, classic wines that place this among the most consistent, reliable Chablis to be found…
Arretxea in Irouléguy
Oh, how far Irouléguy, the hidden gem of French Basque country, has come! Once upon a time, not so long ago, a local joke went something like this: “How do you say vinegar in Basque? Irouléguy!” Vines covered hardly any ground, and you could count the growers on a single hand. Enter the Riouspeyrous family…
New Arrivals
Here is a collection of recent arrivals. Every week, we’ll be adding a dozen or more new arrivals, so check back often for your favorite classics or new discoveries!
The Carpe Vinum Collection
An ever-changing offering of wines that are just about to sell out; one last opportunity to seize a range of selections before they disappear from our shelves forever.
50th Anniversary Merchandise
When the esteemed French wine artist Michel Tolmer created beautiful artwork for our 50th anniversary, we knew right away that we had to feature it on a few select items of merch. After spending maybe a little too much time researching the options, we landed on a classy, leather-strap cap, a comfortable t-shirt made from 100% cotton, and a tote made with incredibly sturdy, fair-trade, and organic cotton by a certified B corp that invests in the livelihoods of women and farmers of India, featuring three wine sleeves and two other compartments for all of your other needs!
Recent Wine Club Selections
Our five wine clubs feature our best values from France and Italy as well as complex and cellar-worthy wines.