Beaune: The Vineyards

Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée

The Capital of Burgundy wines is also a relatively important production centre : Beaune is the largest Communal A.O.C. in the Côte d'Or.

Location - Production - Grape Varieties - Character of the wines - Keeping qualities
Serving, Temperature and Glasses - Gastronomy - Points of interest - Events and News

LOCATION

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The Beaune vineyards are almost all located on the hillside and thus achieve a high percentage of premier crus in the classification of the climats (there are 39 premier crus in the 322 hectares of the Appellation). The Village A.O.C.s cover 128 ha. on the higher and lower parts of the slope.

Other Appellations are produced in Beaune :

Some regional A.O.C. s from 52 ha. of the 150 ha. of the Côte de Beaune (not to be confused with the A.O.C.)
Côte de Beaune-Villages. (see corresponding Page for this appellation).

The slopes are east-south-east facing with brown chalky soil mixed irregularly with clay and sand.

PRODUCTION

Beaune produces essentially red wines:

8000 hl of Premiers Crus
3500 hl of Village A.O.C. (communale)
185 hl of A.O.C. Côte de Beaune

The white wines include :

500 hl of Premiers Crus
225 hl of A.O.C. Côte de Beaune

GRAPE VARIETIES

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the varietals used for the production of Beaune reds and Beaune whites..

CHARACTERE OF THE WINES

The red wines which come from the centre and southern parts of the Beaune area are tannic and powerful : their colour is generally quite dark and they give out aromas both fruity (fruit berries) and "animal" at the same time. The wines coming from the North have a less intense colour and are blessed with a fine suppleness.

Beaune whites are supple and rich with good acidity which gives them good structure Their fullness puts them on the level of the top grade whites - similar to Chassagne.

KEEPING QUALITIES

The Beaune reds wines offer good ageing potential when coming from the southern and central areas : they reach their peak after 8 to 10 years for normal years and around 15 to 20 years in great years;

The wines from the northern part of the côte (towards Savigny) will be ready for drinking after 5 years. Wines from great years will have a potential of around 12 to 15 years.

White wines are usually at their best after 5 to 10 years evolution.

Caves

SERVING, TEMPERATURE
& GLASSES

The red wines should be served at 15 ° - 16°C.

Uncorking the bottle one or two hours before serving generally improves the "volume" and purity of the aromas.

White wines require a cooler serving temperature : around 12° - 14°C. They are mellow enough to support this temperature ; any colder and the bouquet may be lost.

Large balloon style glasses are best adapted to the qualities of the red wines, the size of the surface area helping the rapid development of the bouquet.

Tulip shaped glasses are best for the elegant presentation of the white wines.

GASTRONOMY

Hospices

Beaune reds offer a palette of flavours and savours large enough (according to individual style), to accompany fine and light meats to strong sauces and marinades as well as most "classic" cheeses.

The whites can be kept for fish and shellfish dishes, with light and fine cold cuts, with timbales, pies and pâtés.

POINTS OF INTEREST

The Wine Museum (Musée du vin)
The Hospices de Beaune