Côte de Beaune

The Côte de Beaune appellation d'origine contrôlée is a communal appellation of the Côte de Beaune vineyards in the Côte-d'Or region. This appellation may be followed by the name of the climate from which the wine comes.

The Côte de Beaune AOC is located at the top of the Montagne de Beaune, on the balcony and just above the Premier Crus. At an altitude of 300-370 meters, the soils are brown, calcareous, oolitic and rauracian (Jurassic). One of Burgundy's experimental vineyards (vine science) is located at Mont Battois, one of the appellation's climates.

The Côte de Beaune-Villages appellation benefits white wines made from the Chardonnay grape, and red wines from the Pinot Noir grape. Côte de Beaune reds are powerful yet round, with the flattering, emblematic aromatic strength of Pinot Noir, while whites have the emblematic roundness of Chardonnay.

Spreading out around the Volnay syncline, the Côte de Beaune AOC covers an area of over 30 hectares. Compared to the neighboring Côte de Nuits vineyards, it features more extensive marl outcrops. Thanks to this particularity, Côte de Beaune wine combines softness and tenderness. The world-famous Côte de Beaune appellation produces around 160,000 hectolitres of wine every year.

The Côte de Beaune AOC or Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée vineyards are generally located in the high mountains of this Burgundy town. Between 300 and 370 meters above sea level, this terroir benefits from brown soil that is both calcareous and chalky. Close to the Côte de Nuits appellation, this vineyard is characterized by its hillside landscape. As a rule, the grapes ripen a few days ahead of schedule.

When it comes to Côte de Beaune, it's the great whites that immediately spring to mind. However, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also available. In this region, it's the red wines that are the most famous, with 60% of production. At the far end of this terroir are two vast hills, the hill of Montrachet and the hill of Corton. In fact, each bottle is linked to a prestigious village name: Meursault for the whites, Pommard for the reds, or Beaune and Chassagne-Montrachet for both colors.

Made from the Chardonnay grape variety, Côte de Beaune high white wine is renowned for its pale gold highlights. Aromas combine honey and white flowers, a flavor reminiscent of gingerbread. White wines include Corton-Charlemagne from north of Beaune, on the Corton mountain, and Grand Cru Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet, dry wines from the southeastern slopes.

Côte de Beaune red wines include Blagny, Côte-de-Beaune-Villages, Pommard and Volnay. Each of these AOCs has its own specific characteristics, but in general, they are characterized by their color, with some purplish or pink nuances. Other vineyards produce both colors, such as Aloxe-Corton, Auxey-Duresses, Beaune, Chassagne-Montrachet and Meursault.

Described as charming wines, the Hautes Côtes de Beaune emphasize their frankness and spontaneity. In the Beaune region, Pinot noir, or red, dominates the vineyards. For your information, AOCs are divided into Grands Crus and Village appellations. However, there are also regional appellations such as Bourgogne Côte d'Or, Coteaux Bourguignons and Bourgogne Aligoté. In all, you'll find 29 appellations, including 8 Grands Crus, 7 whites and 1 red.

To enjoy the classic Burgundy, Côte de Beaune red wine, you'll need to pair it with a well-balanced meal. It's also ideal as an accompaniment to roasted meats such as veal fillet or pork filet mignon. As for the white, it goes well with snails, shellfish and fish meats. A little older, red wine should be served at a temperature of 10 to 13°C.