With those of Puligny, Chassagne and Blagny, the vineyards of Meursault comprise a four-mile strip of the Côte de Beaune known as the "Côte des Blancs". These four communes produce the most exquisite dry white wines of Burgundy, rivalled only by the rare white wines of Corton-Charlemagne, Vougeot and Musigny. Meursault's A.O.C. vineyards cover 1,138 acres, the most extensive of the Côte de Blancs; these are approximately 30 percent in nine premier cru and 70 percent in village vineyards. The adjoining commune of Blagny contributes another 58 acres among four white premier cru vineyards which are classified as Meursault-Blagny. Only slightly less than 6 percent of the average annual production of 13,800 hectolitres (153,300 cases) under these three appellations is in red wine.

According to Pierre Forgeot, the name "Meursault" is derived from "murasalt," an ancient form of fortified camp situated on high terrain and likely surrounded by walls. Meursault's vineyards were first documented in 1102, when Duke Eudes II of Burgundy bequeathed property to the order of Cîteaux. The village of Meursault has remained the commercial centre of the southern Côte de Beaune, and is the site of the annual "Paulée de Meursault", officially held since 1932. This celebratory, end-of-harvest feast, which at its origin united the growers, vineyard workers and proprietors at the same table, is named for the traditional dish of freshly-slaughtered pork, which was sliced and sauteed, or "poêlé", and served with wines brought by all who attended.

The wines of Meursault are the most charming and feminine of the Côte des Blancs, less rich than those of Puligny and more subtle than those of Chassagne. A naturally high glycerine content lends the wine a lovely, mellow roundness which neither compromises its dry freshness nor its ability to age with exceptional grace.