Côte de Beaune and its wines

The Côte de Beaune is one of the most prestigious wine areas in the Burgundy, famous throughout the world for its extraordinary white wines from Chardonnay and the refined red wines from Pinot Noir. Set in the southern part of the Côte d'Or, this area is a byword for elegance, complexity and of a deep bond with the terroir.Its vineyards cover around 20 km south of the town of Beaune, passing through historic towns such as Pommard, Volnay, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet e Chassagne-Montrachet.

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Geography and Climate of the Côte de Beaune

The Côte de Beaune extends along the eastern slopes of the Burgundy hillside, benefiting from ideal climatic and geological conditions for viticulture.

Soil and Terroir

• The soils are made up mainly of limestone marls, clay e fine sands.
• In the higher-lying areas limestone soils prevail, ideal for Chardonnay.
• The lower-lying areas, with a greater presence of clay, are perfect for Pinot Noir.

Climate

• Temperate continental, with cold winters and hot summers.
• The hills offer good sun exposure, essential for the ripening of the grapes.
• The temperature swings between day and night preserve the acidity and enrich the aromatic profile of the wines.

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Prestigious Appellations of the Côte de Beaune

The Côte de Beaune is home to some of the most famous and internationally appreciated appellations. Here you will find 8 Grand Cru and numerous Premier Cru.

Appellations for White Wines

• Montrachet Grand Cru: Considered one of the best Chardonnay in the world, elegant and long-lived.
• Meursault AOC: Famous for its full-bodied, buttery whites, with notes of hazelnut e butter.
• Puligny-Montrachet AOC: Finer, more mineral wines, perfect for ageing.
• Chassagne-Montrachet AOC: Complex, structured whites with great aromatic depth.

Appellations for Red Wines

• Pommard AOC: Robust, tannic reds, with notes of berries e spices.
• Volnay AOC: Elegant and velvety, known for their finesse and floral aromas.
• Beaune AOC: Balanced, harmonious wines, with excellent value for money.

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Grape Varieties of the Côte de Beaune

Winemaking in the Côte de Beaune is based mainly on two emblematic varieties of Burgundy:

White Grape Variety

• Chardonnay: Here it finds its fullest expression, giving rise to white wines of extraordinary finesse, complexity and great ageing capacity. The best express notes of butter, hazelnut, white-fleshed fruit e minerality.

Black Grape Variety

• Pinot Noir: Used for elegant, refined red wines. The reds of the Côte de Beaune are generally more delicate compared with those of the Côte de Nuits, with aromas of red fruit, spices e undergrowth.

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Style of the Wines of the Côte de Beaune

White Wines

• Colour: Straw yellow with golden highlights.
• Aromas: White flowers, apple, hazelnut, butter and notes mineral notes.
• Palate: Wines creamy, structured and of great longevity.

Red Wines

• Colour: Bright ruby red.
• Aromas: Red fruits (cherry, strawberry), violet, spices e earthy notes.
• Palate: Soft, with fine tannins and a freshness that guarantees their longevity.

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Winemaking Techniques

The producers of the Côte de Beaune combine tradition and innovation to bring out the characteristics of the terroir.

• Spontaneous fermentations with indigenous yeasts.
• Ageing in French oak casks, often for prolonged periods, to develop complexity.
• Moderate use of new oak so as not to cover the delicate aromatic nuances.

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Food Pairings

The wines of the Côte de Beaune, thanks to their elegance and structure, lend themselves to refined pairings:

White Wines

• Fish baked or grilled.
• Shellfish and seafood.
• Poultry with delicate sauces.
• Creamy cheeses such as the Brie and the Camembert.

Red Wines

• White meat e roasts.
• Porcini mushrooms and truffle.
• Aged cheeses hard cheeses.