AOC Beaune wines awarded at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

A.O.C./A.O.P.

Beaune is Côte d’Or’s most extensive village appellation. It is famed for its Hospices wine auction which is held at the end of November and is used as a gauge for the region’s wine economy. The proceeds provide funding for the local hospital. The vines grow primarily on hillside sites where the soil is brown limestone interspersed with clay or sand. Climate sites classed as first growths: the appellation boasts 39 first growths with a total 322 ha under vine (equating to ¾ of the area): Les Boucherottes, Les Vignes Franches, Clos des Ursules, Les Chouacheux, Les Epenotes, Le Clos des Mouches, Les Montrevenots, Les Aigrots, Les Sizies, Pertuisots, Clos Saint-Landry, Les Avaux, Les Tuvilains, Belissand, Les Seurey, Clos e la Mousse, Les Reversées, Les Sceaux, Les Teurons, Clos du Roi, Blanches Fleurs, A l’Ecu, Clos de l’Ecu, Les Fèves, Les Cent Vignes, Les Marconnets, En Genêt, En l’Orme, Les Perrières, Les Bressandes, Les Toussaints, Les Grèves, Sur les Grèves, Sur les Grèves-Clos-Sainte-Anne, Aux Cras, Le Bas des Teurons, Aux Coucheria, Clos de la Feguine, Montée Rouge, La Mignotte, Clos des Avaux, Champs Pimont.

Grape varieties: Vins rouges : pinot noir. Vins blancs secs : chardonnay

The wines of this appellation

90% of output is red, made from Pinot noir. The wines boast a deep hue and fruity aromas (cherry, strawberry) with animal undertones developing down the years. Although they are invariably elegant, they vary in structure. The wines from the centre and south of the appellation tend to be powerful and tannic, whilst those from the north are more supple and delicate. The whites (10% of output), with their pale yellow colour, are fat, rich and unctuous. Their acidity enhances their structure and releases aromas of hazelnuts and occasionally tropical fruits (pineapple). The reds sit well alongside marinated meats, poultry and cheeses.