Côte de Beaune

The Côte de Beaune appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) is a communal appellation in the Côte de Beaune vineyards in the Côte-d'Or region. This appellation may be followed by the name of the climat where the wine originates.

The Côte de Beaune AOC is located on the heights 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 limestone and calcic, oolitic and rauracian (Jurassic). They are highly prized: one of Burgundy's experimental vineyards (vine science) is located at Mont Battois, one of the appellation's climats.

The Côte de Beaune-Villages appellation is used for white wines made from the Chardonnay grape variety and red wines made from the Pinot Noir grape variety. The reds of the Côte de Beaune are powerful but rounded, with the flattering and emblematic aromatic strength of Pinot Noir, while the whites have the emblematic roundness of Chardonnay.

Spanning the Volnay syncline, the Côte de Beaune AOC covers an area of over 30 hectares. Compared to the neighboring Côte de Nuits vineyards, it has more significant marl outcrops. Thanks to this distinctive feature, Côte de Beaune wines combine smoothness and tenderness. Famous throughout the world, the Côte de Beaune appellation produces around 160,000 hectoliters of wine each year.

As for the vineyards located in the Côte de Beaune, the AOC or appellation d'origine contrôlée Côte de Beaune is generally found on the high hills of this Burgundy town. Between 300 and 370 meters above sea level, this terroir benefits from brown soil that is both calcareous and limestone. Close to the Côte de Nuits appellation, this vineyard is characterized by its hilly landscape. In principle, the grapes ripen a few days earlier here.

When it comes to Côte de Beaune, it's the great white wines that immediately spring to mind. However, it's worth noting that Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also grown here. Red wines are the most famous in this region, accounting for 60% of production. At the edge of this terroir are two large hills, Montrachet and Corton. Each bottle is linked to the name of a prestigious village: Meursault for whites, Pommard for reds, and Beaune and Chassagne-Montrachet for both colors.

Made from Chardonnay grapes, Haute Côte de Beaune white wine is renowned for its pale golden hue. Its aromas combine honey and white flowers, with a flavor reminiscent of gingerbread. Among the whites, you can distinguish Corton-Charlemagne from north of Beaune, in the Corton hills, or the grand cru Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet, dry wines from the southeast of the hillsides.

As for red Côte de Beaune wine, there are the Blagny, Côte-de-Beaune-Villages, Pommard, and Volnay appellations. Each of these AOCs has its own specific characteristics, but in general, they are characterized by their color with some purple or pink hues. It should be noted that there are other vineyards that produce both colors, such as the appellations Aloxe-Corton, Auxey-Duresses, Beaune, Chassagne-Montrachet, and Meursault.

Described as charming wines, Hautes Côtes de Beaune wines showcase their frankness and spontaneity. In the Beaune region, Pinot Noir or red grapes dominate the vineyards. For information, the AOCs are divided into Grand Cru appellations and village appellations. However, there are also regional appellations such as Bourgogne Côte d'Or, Coteaux Bourguignons, and Bourgogne Aligoté. In this area, you can find a total of 29 appellations, including 8 Grand Crus, 7 whites, and 1 red.

To enjoy classic Burgundy wine, namely Côte de Beaune red wine, it should be paired with balanced cuisine. It is also ideal as an accompaniment to roasted meats such as veal fillet or pork tenderloin. As for white wine, it pairs well with snails, shellfish, and fish. Slightly older red wine should be served at a temperature of 10 to 13°C.