Auxey-Duresses

Nestled between the Burgundy appellations of Hautes Côtes de Beaune, Meursault, and Monthélie, the Auxey Duresses AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée), a Villages de la Côte de Beaune appellation, 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 Côte-d'Or. This appellation includes nine Climats classified as Premier Cru.

The Auxey-Duresses AOC is located at the entrance to a valley that stretches from the Côte de Beaune into the Hautes-Côtes on 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 vines.

This former outbuilding of Cluny Abbey once divided its activities between grain mills and grape presses. Only the latter remain today to produce this Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) established in 1937.

Nearly 135 hectares of clay and limestone soils give rise to nine Premier Cru vineyards with each harvest. A temperate climate and continental influences give the grapes a particular strength, resulting in powerful, full-bodied red Auxey Duresses and rather indulgent white Auxey Duresses.

Nature clearly separates the reds from the whites. Extending from Volnay and Monthélie, the Bourdon mountain has a very stony marl-limestone base that gives the Duresses, a climate exposed to the east and southeast, their momentum. 

On the southeast flank of Montagne du Bourdon, which separates the village of Auxey Duresses from the vineyards of Monthélie, only red wines are grown on this hill. Pinot Noir thrives here, finding soil and sunshine that allow it to express its full character and produce full-bodied wines. On the other side of the village is Mont Mélian, overlooking the vineyards of Meursault. The Val climate is very calcareous and faces south. Marble predominates over limestone 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 such 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 powerful tannins, especially the reds. Les Duresses, Les Ecussaux, Les Grands Champs, and La Chapelle are Premier Cru classified vineyards that bring prestige to the region.

Auxey Duresses red wines have a subtle ruby color and a bouquet reminiscent of ripe red fruits or black fruits such as blackcurrant, blackberry, and blueberry. On the palate, the attack is slightly astringent, quickly giving way to leathery and spicy notes.

Auxey Duresses white wines are light yellow in color with iridescent golden highlights. The nose reveals aromas of biscuits, fresh almonds, and a rich mineral presence. The palate is rich and the finish lingers slowly, allowing time for the aromas to linger.

The velvety texture of Auxey Duresses red wines pairs perfectly with high-quality dishes, especially tender meats such as veal, lamb, rabbit, or poultry. This wine is at its best with poultry; a Premier Cru Auxey Duresses is the perfect accompaniment to a poularde or capon. Due to 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 perfectly with river or marsh produce. Enjoy them with predatory fish such as pike or zander, or with snails or frogs' legs. When it comes to cheese, they perfectly balance the strength of a Livarot, Epoisses, or Bleu des Causses, and even Roquefort.