Auxey-Duresses

Nestled among the Burgundy appellations of Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, Meursault, and Monthélie, the Auxey-Duresses AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée)—a Villages appellation of the Côte de Beaune—covers the commune of the same name.

The Auxey-Duresses Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) is a Village appellation in the Côte de Beaune wine region, in the Côte-d’Or department. This appellation includes 9 Climats classified as Premier Cru.

The Auxey-Duresses AOC is located at the entrance to a valley that, from the Côte de Beaune, winds its way into the Hautes-Côtes along the road to La Rochepot and Autun. Auxey-Duresses (pronounced “Aussey”), along with its hamlets of Petit-Auxey and Melin, is undoubtedly one of Burgundy’s sanctuaries of Celtic and Gallo-Roman viticulture.

This former outbuilding of Cluny Abbey was once used for both grain mills and grape presses. Today, only the grape presses remain in operation to produce this Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, established in 1937.

Nearly 135 hectares of clay and limestone soils yield, with each harvest, nine climat classified as Premier Cru. A temperate climate with continental influences gives the grapes a distinctive character, resulting in powerful, full-bodied red Auxey-Duresses wines and rather rich white Auxey-Duresses wines.

Nature draws a clear distinction between reds and whites. As an extension of Volnay and Monthélie, the Bourdon mountain features a very stony marl-limestone subsoil that gives the Duresses—a vineyard facing east and southeast—their character. 

On the southeastern slope of Mont Bourdon, which separates the village of Auxey-Duresses from the vineyards of Monthélie, the wines grown on this hillside are exclusively red. Pinot Noir finds here soil and sunlight conducive to its full development, allowing it to express its full character and produce full-bodied wines. On the other side of the village lies Mont Mélian, which overlooks the vineyards of Meursault. The Val climat, with its very limestone-rich soil, faces south. In La Chapelle, marl predominates over limestone. The finesse of the soil on Mont Mélian foreshadows Meursault and Puligny, a paradise for white wines.

It is on this very fine soil that the winegrowers of Auxey-Duresses cultivate the Chardonnay grapes that produce these highly aromatic white wines.

Even though the iconic Pommard overshadows the Auxey-Duresses vineyard due to its proximity, the appellation nonetheless produces wines renowned for their character and the power of their tannins, especially the reds. “Les Duresses,” “Les Ecussaux,” “Les Grands Champs,” and “La Chapelle” are Premier Cru-classified climats that contribute to the vineyard’s distinguished reputation.

Auxey Duresses red wines feature a subtle ruby color and a bouquet reminiscent of ripe red fruits or dark fruits such as blackcurrant, blackberry, and blueberry. On the palate, the initial taste is slightly astringent but quickly gives way to leathery and spicy notes.

Auxey Duresses white wines have a pale yellow color with iridescent golden highlights. The nose reveals notes of cookies, fresh almonds, and a rich minerality. The palate is rich and indulgent, and the finish lingers slowly, allowing the aromas to fully develop.

The velvety texture of Auxey Duresses red wines pairs perfectly with fine cuisine, especially with tender, delicate meats such as veal, lamb, rabbit, or poultry. It is with poultry that this wine truly shines; a Premier Cru Auxey Duresses served with a young hen or capon is the perfect pairing. Given its qualities, Auxey Duresses red wine is best paired with rich, creamy cheeses such as Chaource, Brie, or Saint-Nectaire.

Auxey Duresses white wines pair exceptionally well with dishes featuring ingredients from the river or marshes. Enjoy them with predatory fish such as pike or zander, or with snails or frog legs. When it comes to cheese, they perfectly balance the bold flavors of a Livarot, an Epoisses, a Bleu des Causses, and even Roquefort.