Rully

The Rully Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) is a Village Appellation in the Côte Chalonnaise region of Saône-et-Loire. It comprises 23 climats classified as Premier Cru. The Rully and Rully Premier Cru appellations may or may not be followed by the name of their climat of origin.

The nuances among the wines stem from differences in terroir, exposure, and elevation, which are quite varied here. At elevations between 230 and 300 meters, the hillside produces wines that rival the best from the nearby Côte de Beaune. Brown or calcareous soils with little clay: these are the soils for Pinot Noir. Clay-limestone soils: these are for Chardonnay.

White: golden with green highlights, deepening to a richer buttercup yellow with age; it excels in aromas of “hedgerow flowers” such as acacia, hawthorn, honeysuckle, a very delicate hint of elderflower, as well as violet, lemon, white peach, and flint. With time, notes of honey, quince, and dried fruit emerge. On the palate, it is fruity, with lively, round fruit; rich and long-lasting: all the freshness and polish of marble.

Red: Ranging from cherry ruby to dark garnet, its bouquet features black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry) and red fruits (cherry), licorice, lilac, and rose petals, evolving toward notes of cooked fruit—part kirsch, part pepper. On the palate, the tannins complement the fruit and the wine’s structural complexity. A few years of aging deliciously soften the texture. The slight tightening in the finish is a good sign of length and the return of aromas.

Some people tend to underestimate the Rully appellation for both white and red wines. The Rully vineyard, which dates back many centuries, stretches across hillsides at an elevation of 200 meters overlooking the Saône plain. The soils, which produce truly delicious wines, contain brown limestone as well as clay-limestone elements. In addition, Château de Rully wines benefit from 23 “climats” classified as Premier Cru. On the slightly lower slopes lie the “climats” ideal for producing red wines. Some of these “climats” are very popular, including: Chapitre, La Pucelle, Les Champs Cloux, Grésigny, and Clos Saint-Jacques…

Wines differ based on terroir, elevation, and aspect. There are three main categories of Rully wine on the market.

In addition to its golden hue, Rully white wine has green highlights. You can easily recognize this wine by its floral notes (hawthorn, acacia) and mineral notes (flint, gunflint). You can also detect citrus and white-fleshed fruit aromas throughout the wine. Once you taste it, you’ll notice that the body of this wine is generous, dense, and full-bodied. With excellent richness, it offers a certain freshness and liveliness. It’s best served between 12 and 14°C.

At first glance, Rully red Burgundy wine resembles wines from the Côte de Beaune. With a deep red color and purplish highlights, it is recognizable by its notes of red and black fruits (cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant). It also has floral aromas of rose and violet. Some Rully Premier Cru red wines feature dominant notes of spice, fur, and leather. When you taste it, you’ll find that this full-bodied wine displays both power and restraint. To allow this wine to reach its full potential, you’ll need to give it time. Wait at least three years before opening your bottle. When cellared, Premier Cru wines can even age for five years or more. To fully appreciate a red Rully wine, enjoy it with game or red meat at a temperature of 16°C.

These wines are easily recognizable by their deep golden hues. On the nose, you’ll detect fairly prominent floral or mineral notes. First Growths have an aging potential of 5 to 10 years. It’s best served at a temperature of 13°C. Pair it with pike quenelles, fish in sauce…

This fine red AOC Rully wine has a truly distinctive flavor, with a robust yet fruity body. It pairs very well with offal such as liver, roasted or sauced poultry, and kidneys and sweetbreads—whether pan-seared or served in a sauce. Some people also prefer to enjoy it with pasta dishes featuring meat or risottos…

Full-bodied on the palate, Rully white wine has a beautifully long, fruity finish. This Rully wine pairs well with tender meats and delicate dishes. Think of warm shellfish, fish with a white sauce, pan-seared fish, and so on. It also pairs beautifully with poultry in an exquisite creamy sauce. It can be enjoyed as an aperitif with hard cheeses (such as Comté).