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 AOC is a Village appellation in the Côte de Beaune wine region, in the Côte-d’Or department. This appellation includes nine Climats classified as Premier Cru.

The Auxey-Duresses AOC is located at the entrance to a valley that, stretching from the Côte de Beaune, winds its way into the Hautes-Côtes along the road to La Rochepot and Autun. Auxey-Duresses (pronounced Aussey), 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 once served both as a grain mill and a wine press. Today, only the wine presses remain, producing this Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, established in 1937.

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

Nature clearly distinguishes between reds and whites. Extending from Volnay and Monthélie, the Bourdon hill 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 hill are exclusively red. Pinot Noir finds here a soil and sunlight ideal for its development, allowing it to express its full character and produce full-bodied wines. On the other side of the village lies Mont Mélian, overlooking the vineyards of Meursault. The Val climat is very chalky and faces south. Marl predominates over chalk in La Chapelle. The finesse of the soil on Mont Mélian heralds 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.

Although 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 vineyards that bring true prestige to the estate.

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

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

The velvety texture of Auxey Duresses red wines pairs perfectly with fine cuisine, particularly 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 pairs best with rich, creamy cheeses such as Chaource, Brie, or Saint Nectaire.

Auxey Duresses white wines pair perfectly 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 Livarot, Époisses, or Bleu des Causses—and even Roquefort.