Hautes-Côtes de Beaune and its wines

The Hautes-Côtes de Beaune are a hillside subzone of the Côte d’Or, west of the prestigious appellations of the Côte de Beaune, in Burgundy. This appellation is an alternative cooler and at altitude compared with the famous cru of the main valley, offering wines elegant, vibrant and approachable, often from sustainable or organic viticulture.

Here they produce red wines from Pinot Noir e white wines from Chardonnay, with a fresher, more floral and fruity style, thanks to the higher altitude, the breezy aspect and the limestone and clay soils.

What is the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune wine district?

The appellation Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune AOC was officially recognised in 1961 and covers some thirty municipalities lying to the west of famous names such as Pommard, Meursault and Beaune.

The area extends between 350 and 450 metres above sea level, on slopes facing south and south-east, ideal for slow, even ripening. The cooler climate helps to preserve acidity, freshness and aromatic purity, making the wines of the Hautes-Côtes increasingly sought after.

Characteristics of Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Wines

Colour

• Reds: Bright ruby red with purple highlights in the young wines.
• Whites: Straw yellow with golden shades.

Aromas

• Fruity: Cherry, raspberry, strawberry in the reds; apple, citrus and pear in the whites.
• Floral: Violet in the Pinot Noir; white flowers in the Chardonnay.
• Mineral and Fresh: Chalky notes and salinity in the whites; slightly green tones in the young reds.

Palate

• Fresh and Light: The reds have soft tannins and nimble drinkability.
• Taut and Mineral: The whites are vibrant, with vertical acidity and good length.

Typical Grape Varieties of the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune

Black Grape Varieties

• Pinot Noir: Elegant and floral, with red fruit and pleasant acidity.

White Grape Varieties

• Chardonnay: Mineral and delicate, with aromas of white fruit and good tension.

Why Choose a Wine from the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune?

The wines of the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune represent an excellent way into the world of Burgundy, with a style fresh, direct and rooted in its land, perfect for anyone who loves elegance without excessive concentration.
Ideal paired with cured meats, white meat, oily fish, soft cheeses and bistro cooking, also lend themselves to moderate ageing.