Bullet Points on the Côte de Beaune

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Bullet Points on the Côte de Beaune The northern demarcation of the Côte de Beaune begins a few villages north of the convivial town of Beaune, which sits in the heart of the Côte d’Or. This sub-region is known around the world for the very few vineyards there which produce the zenith of Burgundian white wine. Here lie 99.999 percent of the white Grands Crus of the Côte d’Or. (Technically, a single producer owns a wee portion of Musigny Grand Cru in the Côte de Nuits that can be labeled Musigny Blanc Grand Cru.)

One of white Grand Crus, Corton, shares its name with the sub-region's sole red Grand Cru. The rest of its epic red confrères lie in the Côte de Nuits. However, the Pommard producers’ association is trying to change this. In 2011, they petitioned the French appellation authority, INAO, to elevate the Premier Crus Rugiens and Epenots to Grand Cru. À voir (we’ll see).

From north to south, here are bullet points on the Côte de Beaune’s major villages. Though Corton is an appellation, not a village, it is a heavy-weight, unlike its villages Pernand-Vergelesses and Aloxe-Corton. So, I cover it here by mention of the AOC.

Photo courtesy of shutterstock images

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Comments

waldo-
lydecker

264268 6

Great article, Christy. As great as the wines are, the country-side, Romanesque churchs (Autun, Djon, Tournus, Vezelay), chateaux (Cormatin) and dining (everywhere from Beaune to Macon!) also make Burgundy exceptional.

Jul 19, 2012 at 4:23 PM
Christy-
Canterbury-
MW

Hand of Snooth

1060100 41,254

Thanks. Yes, the region is marvelous! Cluny is also a must-see!

Jul 20, 2012 at 9:50 AM
Calamus

1121277 248

I just read a few of your articles. You sold me on trying more of this region's wine. :) I think I'll start with Puligny-Montrachet if I can get it.

Jul 26, 2012 at 4:46 PM