Beaune

Beaune

The Beaune appellation is a village appellation in the Côte de Beaune, Côte-d'Or. It covers wines produced exclusively within the commune of the same name. Forty-two of its vineyard sites (climats) are classified as Premier Cru . In fact, the name of the specific vineyard site may follow the designations Beaune and Beaune Premier Cru . Red wines are planted on 359.53 hectares, of which 278 hectares are Premier Cru. White wines are a minority, representing only 50.34 hectares of vines, of which 34 are Premier Cru.

• Terroirs and vineyards

The town of Beaune is a true symbol of Burgundy wines. Every year, it hosts the Hospices de Beaune wine auction. Visitors flock to its estates, cellars, and vineyards. The appellation's red wines were once called the Pinot Vermeil of the Dukes of Burgundy and have since been renowned for their exceptional quality. The white wines are rarer but showcase the terroir, ideal for producing a high-quality Chardonnay . The AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) has existed since 1936. The vineyards face due south, between 220 and 300 meters above sea level. Limestone and clay make up the lower slopes, while the upper slopes are richer in marl.

• The style of the wines

The majority of the wines are made from Pinot Noir. In the northern part of the appellation, the wines are often intense and powerful. In the south, the wines express themselves with more roundness and suppleness. Red and black fruits dominate, alongside subtle notes of undergrowth. Enjoyed young, the appellation's reds are full of charm and crispness. After a few years of aging, the wines become more complex with notes of truffle and spice. The white wines offer notes of luscious dried fruits: almonds and roasted hazelnuts. We love the white flower notes typical of the region. These Chardonnay wines are best enjoyed young to appreciate the freshness of the fruit. With a few years of aging, they will become more generous!

• Food and wine pairings and tasting tips

Red wines should be served between 15 and 16°C. Their aromatic intensity and full-bodied texture make them ideal for pairing with fine cuts of meat. Game, roast meats, and cheeses are all welcome. White wines, with their freshness and floral notes, complement Bresse chicken, poultry, and veal in cream sauce. Of course, fish, sushi, and tagines are also excellent choices. For cheeses, Comté and goat cheese are recommended. Serve these white wines between 12 and 14°C.

• The essential areas

- Domaine Bouchard et fils is a Burgundy institution, particularly in the heart of the Côte d'Or. Founded in 1775 by Joseph Bouchard, the estate originally consisted of just a few vines in Volnay. Over the years, the family expanded its vineyards. Today, the estate comprises 450 parcels across 130 hectares of vines, covering almost all of Burgundy's appellations. All these parcels are cultivated with the utmost care by the estate team: the grapes are hand-picked into small crates to prevent crushing, then meticulously sorted twice.

Domaine Faiveley is located in the heart of Burgundy's wine country, between Dijon and Beaune in Nuits-Saint-Georges . Historically based in the capital of the Côte de Nuits , the Faiveley family has gradually expanded its estate and now owns parcels in some of Burgundy 's finest vineyards. Within the Beaune appellation, the family owns one of its most renowned monopoles: the 1er Cru Clos de l'Ecu Monopole . This wine is remarkable: the tannins are supple, the aromas are incredibly refined, and the aging potential is impressive.

- Jacques Prieur Estate Domaine Jacques Prieur is located in Meursault . An iconic Burgundy estate, it boasts a unique mosaic of prestigious parcels. Nine Grand Cru vineyards, fourteen Premier Cru vineyards, and three single-vineyard Cru vineyards make up the estate. Edouard Labruyère , assisted by Martin Prieur, a descendant of the founding family, and oenologist Nadine Gublin, currently manage the estate. In Beaune , their Premier Cru Champs-Pimont expresses itself with finesse and elegance: a true success.