About Burgundy
We have gathered information about the Burgundy regions from the official Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB). Click below to see the details of each region:
The Côte de Nuits and Hautes Côtes mainly produce red wines. As such, this winegrowing region is a paradise for Pinot Noir, which is used for the majority of the Bourgogne winegrowing region’s Grands Crus. White wines, made from the Chardonnay grape, are The Côte de Nuits and Hautes Côtes mainly produce red wines. As such, this winegrowing region is a paradise for Pinot Noir, which is used for the majority of the Bourgogne winegrowing region’s Grands Crus. White wines, made from the Chardonnay grape, are fewer and farther between. Some are also made from Aligoté.
FOOD & WINE COMBINATIONS
The wines of the Côte de Nuits are perfect for every occasion
You can serve the various appellations of the Côte de Nuits with many different dishes.
• The reds go wonderfully with beef in all its guises, including steak, rib, braised beef and beef in sauce. Somewhat unexpectedly, these wines also go very well with sweet-and-sour combinations such as duck with orange or Moroccan tagine.
• The area’s white wines are perfect with fish, veal and white meat.
The Champs-Elysées of the Bourgogne winegrowing region
The reputation of the appellations of the Côte de Nuits is firmly established. Some have even gone so far as to name this exceptional terroir the Champs-Elysées of the Bourgogne winegrowing region.
This sophisticated pseudonym also explains the reality of the terrain. Between Dijon and Corgoloin, the wines grow along a narrow strip of hillside that is around 20km long and in parts, just 200 meters wide.
The Côte de Nuits, prestigious and varied appellations
The winegrowing region of the Côte de Nuits comprises a wide variety of appellations that are admired across the globe.
Grands Crus: Chambertin, Chambertin-Clos de Bèze, Chapelle-Chambertin, Griotte-Chambertin, Latricières-Chambertin, Mazis-Chambertin, Mazoyères-Chambertin, Ruchottes-Chambertin, Clos de la Roche, Clos de Tart, Clos Saint-Denis, Clos des Lambrays, Clos de Vougeot, Échezeaux, Grands Échezeaux ,Richebourg, Romanée-Conti, Romanée-Saint-Vincent, La Tâche, Musigny, Bonnes Mares, Charmes Chambertin.
Appellations Villages some of which have Climats classified as Premiers Crus: Chambolle-Musigny, Côte de Nuits-Villages, Fixin, Gevrey-Chambertin, Marsannay, Marsannay rosé, Morey-Saint-Denis, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Vosne-Romanée, Vougeot.
Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Nuits, powerful wines that are full of character
These vines are cultivated on two plateaus between 300-400m above sea level.
This wine region, which almost fell into disuse at one point, has led a patient and courageous campaign for survival. As such, the Hautes Côtes de Nuits has enjoyed a veritable renaissance since the 1950s. Back then, the region’s winemakers selected the slopes that would produce the best grapes. As on the Côte de Nuits, they planted Pinot Noir for reds and Chardonnay for the whites, which covered around 20 communes in the hinterland of the Côte.
Over the past few decades, the winemakers have been dedicated to producing high quality vines. And their work has borne fruit. Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Nuits wines are today recognized as wines of character. With their purple or ruby color, these reds have body, while the whites are gold in color with a lively and balanced structure.
As in the rest of the Bourgogne winegrowing region, the Côte de Nuits and Hautes Côtes de Nuits also produce wines of all the appellations Régionales: Bourgogne red and white, Bourgogne Aligoté, Coteaux Bourguignons, Bourgogne Passe-Tout-Grains, and Crémant de Bourgogne, Bourgogne Côte d'Or.
DID YOU KNOW?
The wines of Bourgogne are the precious heritage of monks
Between the 6th and 15th centuries, the monks of the Bourgogne winegrowing region patiently developed methods for vine cultivation. Their authentic savoir-faire has been handed down from generation to generation to the winegrowers of today.
fewer and farther between. Some are also made from Aligoté.
FOOD & WINE COMBINATIONS
The wines of the Côte de Nuits are perfect for every occasion
You can serve the various appellations of the Côte de Nuits with many different dishes.
• The reds go wonderfully with beef in all its guises, including steak, rib, braised beef and beef in sauce. Somewhat unexpectedly, these wines also go very well with sweet-and-sour combinations such as duck with orange or Moroccan tagine.
• The area’s white wines are perfect with fish, veal and white meat.
The Champs-Elysées of the Bourgogne winegrowing region
The reputation of the appellations of the Côte de Nuits is firmly established. Some have even gone so far as to name this exceptional terroir the Champs-Elysées of the Bourgogne winegrowing region.
This sophisticated pseudonym also explains the reality of the terrain. Between Dijon and Corgoloin, the wines grow along a narrow strip of hillside that is around 20km long and in parts, just 200 meters wide.
The Côte de Nuits, prestigious and varied appellations
The winegrowing region of the Côte de Nuits comprises a wide variety of appellations that are admired across the globe.
Grands Crus: Chambertin, Chambertin-Clos de Bèze, Chapelle-Chambertin, Griotte-Chambertin, Latricières-Chambertin, Mazis-Chambertin, Mazoyères-Chambertin, Ruchottes-Chambertin, Clos de la Roche, Clos de Tart, Clos Saint-Denis, Clos des Lambrays, Clos de Vougeot, Échezeaux, Grands Échezeaux ,Richebourg, Romanée-Conti, Romanée-Saint-Vincent, La Tâche, Musigny, Bonnes Mares, Charmes Chambertin.
Appellations Villages some of which have Climats classified as Premiers Crus: Chambolle-Musigny, Côte de Nuits-Villages, Fixin, Gevrey-Chambertin, Marsannay, Marsannay rosé, Morey-Saint-Denis, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Vosne-Romanée, Vougeot.
Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Nuits, powerful wines that are full of character
These vines are cultivated on two plateaus between 300-400m above sea level.
This wine region, which almost fell into disuse at one point, has led a patient and courageous campaign for survival. As such, the Hautes Côtes de Nuits has enjoyed a veritable renaissance since the 1950s. Back then, the region’s winemakers selected the slopes that would produce the best grapes. As on the Côte de Nuits, they planted Pinot Noir for reds and Chardonnay for the whites, which covered around 20 communes in the hinterland of the Côte.
Over the past few decades, the winemakers have been dedicated to producing high quality vines. And their work has borne fruit. Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Nuits wines are today recognized as wines of character. With their purple or ruby color, these reds have body, while the whites are gold in color with a lively and balanced structure.
As in the rest of the Bourgogne winegrowing region, the Côte de Nuits and Hautes Côtes de Nuits also produce wines of all the appellations Régionales: Bourgogne red and white, Bourgogne Aligoté, Coteaux Bourguignons, Bourgogne Passe-Tout-Grains, and Crémant de Bourgogne, Bourgogne Côte d'Or.
DID YOU KNOW?
The wines of Bourgogne are the precious heritage of monks
Between the 6th and 15th centuries, the monks of the Bourgogne winegrowing region patiently developed methods for vine cultivation. Their authentic savoir-faire has been handed down from generation to generation to the winegrowers of today.
Côte de Beaune and the Hautes Côtes de Beaune: a winegrowing region renowned for its legendary wines
In the rolling landscape around Beaune, the winemakers produce some world-renowned appellations. Come and discover these characterful red and white wines like Volnay, Meursault Premier Cru or Montrachet, one of the most famous Grands Crus in the world.
Ideally situated hillsides, facing the rising sun
Between Ladoix-Serrigny and the hillsides of the Maranges, the Côte de Beaune winegrowing region covers 20km from north to south. Facing the morning sun, these vineyards are never more than a few hundred meters wide. Yet they produce red and white wines that are internationally renowned. Their reputation also extends to the town of Beaune, an historical center where you can discover all the secrets of the Bourgogne winegrowing region.
A little farther to the west, behind the Côte de Beaune, the vines flourish on a gently concave plateau, 400m above sea level. This is the Hautes Côtes de Beaune. On the sunniest slopes, around 20 communes produce lively and accessible wines from the Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune appellation.
An exceptional terroir shared by red and white
Around the town of Beaune, the vineyards are mainly planted with Pinot Noir (Volnay, Pommard, Ladoix, etc.), although the Chardonnay grape produces a few marvels on the Corton hill (Corton, Corton-Charlemagne). From Meursault onwards, the Chardonnay grape dominates, producing wines that are very diverse in terms of their aromatic profile, between legendary appellations such as Bâtard-Montrachet and less well-known treasures such as Saint-Aubin and Santenay.
Local winemakers produce famous appellations from these two varietals typically used in the Bourgogne winegrowing region.
Appellations Grands Crus: Corton, Corton-Charlemagne, Montrachet, Bâtard-Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet, Bienvenue-Bâtard-Montrachet.
Appellations Villages some of which have Climats classified as Premiers Crus: Aloxe-Corton, Auxey-Duresses, Beaune, Blagny, Chassagne-Montrachet, Chorey-les-Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Côte de Beaune-Villages, Ladoix, Maranges, Meursault, Monthélie, Pernand-Vergelesses, Pommard, Puligny-Montrachet, Saint-Aubin, Saint-Romain, Santenay, Savigny-lès-Beaune, Volnay.
They also make some tempting appellations Régionales: Bourgogne, Bourgogne Aligoté, Bourgogne Passe-Tout-Grains, Coteaux Bourguignons and Crémant de
DID YOU KNOW?
In the past, all the wines of the Côte de Beaune were called “Vin de Beaune.”
Back in the Middle Ages, the Dukes of Bourgogne appreciated the lively temperament of the wines produced on the Côte de Beaune. They even helped boost the reputation of the wines, as did the monks. Back then, the wines bore the not-very-distinctive name “Vin de Beaune” or “Pinot Vermeil,” in reference to the Pinot Noir varietal used to make them.
Similarly, the name “Vin de Nuits” was used to describe all the wines from the Côte de Nuits.
In the rolling landscape around Beaune, the winemakers produce some world-renowned appellations. Come and discover these characterful red and white wines like Volnay, Meursault Premier Cru or Montrachet, one of the most famous Grands Crus in the world.
Ideally situated hillsides, facing the rising sun
Between Ladoix-Serrigny and the hillsides of the Maranges, the Côte de Beaune winegrowing region covers 20km from north to south. Facing the morning sun, these vineyards are never more than a few hundred meters wide. Yet they produce red and white wines that are internationally renowned. Their reputation also extends to the town of Beaune, an historical center where you can discover all the secrets of the Bourgogne winegrowing region.
A little farther to the west, behind the Côte de Beaune, the vines flourish on a gently concave plateau, 400m above sea level. This is the Hautes Côtes de Beaune. On the sunniest slopes, around 20 communes produce lively and accessible wines from the Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune appellation.
An exceptional terroir shared by red and white
Around the town of Beaune, the vineyards are mainly planted with Pinot Noir (Volnay, Pommard, Ladoix, etc.), although the Chardonnay grape produces a few marvels on the Corton hill (Corton, Corton-Charlemagne). From Meursault onwards, the Chardonnay grape dominates, producing wines that are very diverse in terms of their aromatic profile, between legendary appellations such as Bâtard-Montrachet and less well-known treasures such as Saint-Aubin and Santenay.
Local winemakers produce famous appellations from these two varietals typically used in the Bourgogne winegrowing region.
Appellations Grands Crus: Corton, Corton-Charlemagne, Montrachet, Bâtard-Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet, Bienvenue-Bâtard-Montrachet.
Appellations Villages some of which have Climats classified as Premiers Crus: Aloxe-Corton, Auxey-Duresses, Beaune, Blagny, Chassagne-Montrachet, Chorey-les-Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Côte de Beaune-Villages, Ladoix, Maranges, Meursault, Monthélie, Pernand-Vergelesses, Pommard, Puligny-Montrachet, Saint-Aubin, Saint-Romain, Santenay, Savigny-lès-Beaune, Volnay.
They also make some tempting appellations Régionales: Bourgogne, Bourgogne Aligoté, Bourgogne Passe-Tout-Grains, Coteaux Bourguignons and Crémant de
DID YOU KNOW?
In the past, all the wines of the Côte de Beaune were called “Vin de Beaune.”
Back in the Middle Ages, the Dukes of Bourgogne appreciated the lively temperament of the wines produced on the Côte de Beaune. They even helped boost the reputation of the wines, as did the monks. Back then, the wines bore the not-very-distinctive name “Vin de Beaune” or “Pinot Vermeil,” in reference to the Pinot Noir varietal used to make them.
Similarly, the name “Vin de Nuits” was used to describe all the wines from the Côte de Nuits.
To the south of the Côte de Beaune, the Côte Chalonnaise and the Couchois produce ruby red wines and delicate whites. In this land of contrasting landscapes, you will discover some renowned appellations made from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay or Aligoté.
The natural extension of the Côte de Beaune
Between the Côte de Beaune to the north and the hills of the Mâconnais to the south, the Côte Chalonnaise is some 25km long by 7km wide. Here, in the heart of a landscape spiked with hills, the plots of vines have been planted on the best southeast-facing slopes. For a thousand years, the vines have plunged their roots into soil similar to those of the nearby Côte de Beaune. Enjoying hot summers and dry weather in the fall, the grapes have no problem ripening here.
A little farther to the west, on the other side of the Canal du Centre, is the Couchois. To the south of the Hautes Côtes de Beaune, this winegrowing terroir is nestled at between 200-300m above sea level. Here, six communes produce wines of character, the quality of which has been recognized since 2000 when it was awarded the AOC Bourgogne Côte du Couchois.
Renowned varietals, recognized appellations
In this land, winemakers grow several different varietals, although Chardonnay and Pinot Noir dominate. Exceptionally, the hamlet of Bouzeron gives pride of place to the Aligoté grape, as home to the only appellation Village that is entirely produced from this ancient varietal.
Appellation Villages some of which have Climats classified as Premiers Crus: Bouzeron, Givry, Mercurey, Montagny, Rully
Appellations Régionales specific to wine-producing region: Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise, Bourgogne Côte du Couchois
As in the rest of the Bourgogne winegrowing region, the Côte Chalonnaise and the Couchois also offer a range of different appellations Régionales: Bourgogne white and red, Bourgogne Aligoté, Bourgogne Passe-tout-grains and Coteaux Bourguignons. The vines of the Bourgogne Côte d’Or appellation extend across an area 65km long and between 1-2km wide, from Dijon to the Maranges (Cheilly-lès-Maranges, Dezize-lès-Maranges, Remigny, Sampigny-lès-Maranges).
DID YOU KNOW?
The Côte Chalonnaise is thought to be the geographical cradle of Crémant de Bourgogne.
To the south of the Côte de Beaune, the Côte Chalonnaise and the Couchois produce ruby red wines and delicate whites. In this land of contrasting landscapes, you will discover some renowned appellations made from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay or Aligoté.
The natural extension of the Côte de Beaune
Between the Côte de Beaune to the north and the hills of the Mâconnais to the south, the Côte Chalonnaise is some 25km long by 7km wide. Here, in the heart of a landscape spiked with hills, the plots of vines have been planted on the best southeast-facing slopes. For a thousand years, the vines have plunged their roots into soil similar to those of the nearby Côte de Beaune. Enjoying hot summers and dry weather in the fall, the grapes have no problem ripening here.
A little farther to the west, on the other side of the Canal du Centre, is the Couchois. To the south of the Hautes Côtes de Beaune, this winegrowing terroir is nestled at between 200-300m above sea level. Here, six communes produce wines of character, the quality of which has been recognized since 2000 when it was awarded the AOC Bourgogne Côte du Couchois.
Renowned varietals, recognized appellations
In this land, winemakers grow several different varietals, although Chardonnay and Pinot Noir dominate. Exceptionally, the hamlet of Bouzeron gives pride of place to the Aligoté grape, as home to the only appellation Village that is entirely produced from this ancient varietal.
Appellation Villages some of which have Climats classified as Premiers Crus: Bouzeron, Givry, Mercurey, Montagny, Rully
Appellations Régionales specific to wine-producing region: Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise, Bourgogne Côte du Couchois
As in the rest of the Bourgogne winegrowing region, the Côte Chalonnaise and the Couchois also offer a range of different appellations Régionales: Bourgogne white and red, Bourgogne Aligoté, Bourgogne Passe-tout-grains and Coteaux Bourguignons. The vines of the Bourgogne Côte d’Or appellation extend across an area 65km long and between 1-2km wide, from Dijon to the Maranges (Cheilly-lès-Maranges, Dezize-lès-Maranges, Remigny, Sampigny-lès-Maranges).
DID YOU KNOW?
The Côte Chalonnaise is thought to be the geographical cradle of Crémant de Bourgogne.
The Mâconnais is a winegrowing region with a southern accent where rolling landscapes are alternated with monumental cliffs. In this wonderful environment, where the Chardonnay grape reigns supreme and where patches of Gamay can be found, you will taste some powerful white wines that are rich in aromas, not to mention some delectable reds.
From rolling hills in the north to majestic rocks in the south
The most southerly terroir in the Bourgogne winegrowing region, the Mâconnais covers a 10k-wide strip of vines 35km long, between Sennecey-le-Grand and Saint-Vérand. The region nestles between two valleys, the Grosne to the west and the Saône to the east. This is a winegrowing region with two faces. To the southwest of Tournus, the Monts du Mâconnais are a succession of wooded hilltops and little valleys, ideal for vine cultivation.
Further to the south, the hills give way to a grandiose landscape that is dominated by some monumental outcrops, including those of Vergisson and Solutré. The vines can be found on the slopes where soil and sunshine permit.
Here, perhaps more than in any of the Bourgogne region’s other winegrowing areas, the monks played a key role. The abbey of Cluny, founded in 909 by William I, Count of Mâcon, followed the Benedictine tradition with the principle of ora et labora (pray and labor), which drove the monks to create their own vineyards. It was, in part, in reaction to the wealth of Cluny that Robert de Moslesme founded the abbey of Cîteaux in 1098. Although the vines of Cluny were mainly located in the southern part of the current Bourgogne winegrowing region, the monks also owned vines planted further north, notably the celebrated vineyard of Romanée-St-Vivant.
The Chardonnay grape is predominant with wines that are pale golden in color wit
The Chardonnay grape is omnipresent in the Mâconnais. This white varietal represents 80% of all vines planted in the region.
For the red wines, Pinot Noir is largely supplanted by Gamay, which was not eradicated in the Middle Ages by the Duke of Bourgogne since the Mâconnais did not belong to the Duchy.
Across the whole of the Mâconnais, you will have the pleasure of discovering the full range of appellations Régionales, including Bourgogne, Bourgogne Aligoté, Bourgogne Passe-Tout-Grains, Coteaux Bourguignons and Crémant de Bourgogne.
You will especially appreciate those appellations specific to the region. Certain appellations Villages such as Pouilly and Saint-Véran are even applying to have their Climats classed as Premiers Crus.
Appellations Villages: Pouilly-Fuissé, Pouilly-Loché, Pouilly-Vinzelles, Saint-Véran, Viré-Clessé
Appellations Régionales specific to Mâconnais: Mâcon, Mâcon-Villages, Mâcon followed by the name of the Village
TO NOTE
Saint-Vérand is written with a « d » when it is the name of the village. When you write the name of the wine, it is Saint-Véran, with no “d”).
The Mâconnais is a winegrowing region with a southern accent where rolling landscapes are alternated with monumental cliffs. In this wonderful environment, where the Chardonnay grape reigns supreme and where patches of Gamay can be found, you will taste some powerful white wines that are rich in aromas, not to mention some delectable reds.
From rolling hills in the north to majestic rocks in the south
The most southerly terroir in the Bourgogne winegrowing region, the Mâconnais covers a 10k-wide strip of vines 35km long, between Sennecey-le-Grand and Saint-Vérand. The region nestles between two valleys, the Grosne to the west and the Saône to the east. This is a winegrowing region with two faces. To the southwest of Tournus, the Monts du Mâconnais are a succession of wooded hilltops and little valleys, ideal for vine cultivation.
Further to the south, the hills give way to a grandiose landscape that is dominated by some monumental outcrops, including those of Vergisson and Solutré. The vines can be found on the slopes where soil and sunshine permit.
Here, perhaps more than in any of the Bourgogne region’s other winegrowing areas, the monks played a key role. The abbey of Cluny, founded in 909 by William I, Count of Mâcon, followed the Benedictine tradition with the principle of ora et labora (pray and labor), which drove the monks to create their own vineyards. It was, in part, in reaction to the wealth of Cluny that Robert de Moslesme founded the abbey of Cîteaux in 1098. Although the vines of Cluny were mainly located in the southern part of the current Bourgogne winegrowing region, the monks also owned vines planted further north, notably the celebrated vineyard of Romanée-St-Vivant.
The Chardonnay grape is predominant with wines that are pale golden in color wit
The Chardonnay grape is omnipresent in the Mâconnais. This white varietal represents 80% of all vines planted in the region.
For the red wines, Pinot Noir is largely supplanted by Gamay, which was not eradicated in the Middle Ages by the Duke of Bourgogne since the Mâconnais did not belong to the Duchy.
Across the whole of the Mâconnais, you will have the pleasure of discovering the full range of appellations Régionales, including Bourgogne, Bourgogne Aligoté, Bourgogne Passe-Tout-Grains, Coteaux Bourguignons and Crémant de Bourgogne.
You will especially appreciate those appellations specific to the region. Certain appellations Villages such as Pouilly and Saint-Véran are even applying to have their Climats classed as Premiers Crus.
Appellations Villages: Pouilly-Fuissé, Pouilly-Loché, Pouilly-Vinzelles, Saint-Véran, Viré-Clessé
Appellations Régionales specific to Mâconnais: Mâcon, Mâcon-Villages, Mâcon followed by the name of the Village
TO NOTE
Saint-Vérand is written with a « d » when it is the name of the village. When you write the name of the wine, it is Saint-Véran, with no “d”).
To the northwest of Dijon, the Châtillonnais is almost exclusively dedicated to sparkling Crémant de Bourgogne wines. The region’s winemakers also make a wide range of convivial Bourgogne appellations.
In the north of the Bourgogne winegrowing region, a south-facing slope
Old documents tell us that there have been vines in the Châtillonnais for more than 2,000 years. Between the Carolingian era and the 19th century, production grew and the wines of the Châtillonnais developed a fine reputation. In the mid-20th century, after three wars, the phylloxera crisis and various economic upheavals, the vines were in decline. Winemaking in the region finally took off once again in the 1980s, thanks to the determination of local winegrowers.
Today, this region covers around 250 hectares, 70km to the northwest of Dijon and 45km to the east of Tonnerre. You are here, in the kingdom of the Crémant de Bourgogne, a sophisticated sparkling wine available in both white and rosé. Some 23 communes of the Châtillonnais produce Bourgogne wines. The vines, which face south-southeast, enjoy good summer and fall sunshine, which encourages the grapes to ripen. With their roots plunged deep into hard limestone soil, the vines produce wines with subtle aromas.
Bourgogne wines full of youth and audacity
On this historic land (Molesme was headquarters of the abbey founded by Robert, which was also at the roots of the abbey of Cîteaux in the 11th century), the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals reign supreme. The winemakers also produce Gamay and Aligoté wines. These varietals are used to produce many Crémant de Bourgognes.
To discover the wines of the Châtillonnais, you can also try the region’s Bourgogne red wines that are fresh and convivial with their purple color, and its whites, which offer good minerality and sophisticated aromas of citrus and honey with lovely sunny tints.
TO FIND OUT MORE
In Châtillon-sur-Seine, discover the biggest tastevin in existence!
Châtillon-sur-Seine, a carefully preserved town of 7,000 inhabitants, is traditionally known as “La Cité du Vase de Vix.” A fabulous treasure remains from the region’s Celtic past, discovered in 1953 in a princely tomb. Dating from the sixth century BC, this giant tastevin, which was used for serving wine, is 1.64m high and weighs 206.8kg.
It has a capacity of 1,100 liters and was filled with wine which was then served to guests during ritual celebrations or festivities – a St. Vincent before its time!
Before the vines, wine was already present in Bourgogne!
To the northwest of Dijon, the Châtillonnais is almost exclusively dedicated to sparkling Crémant de Bourgogne wines. The region’s winemakers also make a wide range of convivial Bourgogne appellations.
In the north of the Bourgogne winegrowing region, a south-facing slope
Old documents tell us that there have been vines in the Châtillonnais for more than 2,000 years. Between the Carolingian era and the 19th century, production grew and the wines of the Châtillonnais developed a fine reputation. In the mid-20th century, after three wars, the phylloxera crisis and various economic upheavals, the vines were in decline. Winemaking in the region finally took off once again in the 1980s, thanks to the determination of local winegrowers.
Today, this region covers around 250 hectares, 70km to the northwest of Dijon and 45km to the east of Tonnerre. You are here, in the kingdom of the Crémant de Bourgogne, a sophisticated sparkling wine available in both white and rosé. Some 23 communes of the Châtillonnais produce Bourgogne wines. The vines, which face south-southeast, enjoy good summer and fall sunshine, which encourages the grapes to ripen. With their roots plunged deep into hard limestone soil, the vines produce wines with subtle aromas.
Bourgogne wines full of youth and audacity
On this historic land (Molesme was headquarters of the abbey founded by Robert, which was also at the roots of the abbey of Cîteaux in the 11th century), the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals reign supreme. The winemakers also produce Gamay and Aligoté wines. These varietals are used to produce many Crémant de Bourgognes.
To discover the wines of the Châtillonnais, you can also try the region’s Bourgogne red wines that are fresh and convivial with their purple color, and its whites, which offer good minerality and sophisticated aromas of citrus and honey with lovely sunny tints.
TO FIND OUT MORE
In Châtillon-sur-Seine, discover the biggest tastevin in existence!
Châtillon-sur-Seine, a carefully preserved town of 7,000 inhabitants, is traditionally known as “La Cité du Vase de Vix.” A fabulous treasure remains from the region’s Celtic past, discovered in 1953 in a princely tomb. Dating from the sixth century BC, this giant tastevin, which was used for serving wine, is 1.64m high and weighs 206.8kg.
It has a capacity of 1,100 liters and was filled with wine which was then served to guests during ritual celebrations or festivities – a St. Vincent before its time!
Before the vines, wine was already present in Bourgogne!
Chablis and the surrounding region produce great dry white wines with a mineral accent, which enjoy international acclaim. Take the time to sample these exceptional wines before exploring the terroir of Grand Auxerrois, home to a wide variety of appellations.
Chablis: great dry white wines with mineral notes
Mid-way between Beaune and Paris, the Chablis winegrowing region stretches over around 20 communes. Nestled among the valleys and wooded hilltops, the vineyards cover the hillsides running alongside the pretty Serein Valley. The vines sink their roots deep into the clay-limestone soil, drawing on them for their characteristic mineral aromas, to the delight of Chablis drinkers.
Here, Chardonnay reigns supreme. It is used for all Chablis wines and has made them famous around the world. The most highly prized among them is Chablis Grand Cru, with its green-gold color and perfect balance between liveliness, dryness and acidity.
You will also appreciate Chablis Premier Cru wines. This appellation encompasses a wide range of aromas from the most mineral to the most floral.
Chablis wines are very dry, and stand out with their freshness and sophistication.
Petit Chablis are wines rich in aromas of white blossom and citrus and are light and full of life.
Grand Auxerrois: a varied range of appellations
The Grand Auxerrois covers a multitude of very old small plots which are today sorted into four terroirs:
• The Auxerrois covers around a dozen communes to the south and southeast of Auxerre
• Farther to the east, beyond Chablis, the vines of the Tonnerrois are found in the valley of the Armançon, the river that runs through the little town of Tonnerre.
• In the south of the Grand Auxerrois region is the Vézelien, which covers Vézelay, Asquins, Saint-Père and Tharoiseau
• The slopes of the Jovinien look down over the town of Joigny, to the north of Auxerre
On these limestone soils, the wines are mainly produced from the traditional Bourgogne varietals of Chardonnay and Aligoté for whites, and Pinot Noir and Gamay for the reds. César for reds, and Sacy or Melon for whites are used in smaller quantities. César, which is a very old Bourgogne varietal, sometimes makes a minor appearance in certain Irancy wines.
There is an exception in Saint-Bris, where the winemakers produce very aromatic whites from the Sauvignon grape.
The Grand Auxerrois brings a wide palette of appellations to the Bourgogne winegrowing region, mainly specific appellations Régionales:
Appellations Villages: Irancy, Saint-Bris, Vézelay
Appellations Régionales specific to Grand Auxerrois: Bourgogne Chitry, Bourgogne Côte Saint-Jacques, Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxerre, Bourgogne Coulanges-la-Vineuse, Bourgogne Epineuil, Bourgogne Tonnerre,
TO NOTE
In the Chablis winegrowing area, as in the Grand Auxerrois, you will find AOC Régionales that are made right across the whole region: Bourgogne, Bourgogne Aligoté, Bourgogne Passe-tout-grains, Coteaux Bourguignons and Crémant de Bourgogne.
Chablis and the surrounding region produce great dry white wines with a mineral accent, which enjoy international acclaim. Take the time to sample these exceptional wines before exploring the terroir of Grand Auxerrois, home to a wide variety of appellations.
Chablis: great dry white wines with mineral notes
Mid-way between Beaune and Paris, the Chablis winegrowing region stretches over around 20 communes. Nestled among the valleys and wooded hilltops, the vineyards cover the hillsides running alongside the pretty Serein Valley. The vines sink their roots deep into the clay-limestone soil, drawing on them for their characteristic mineral aromas, to the delight of Chablis drinkers.
Here, Chardonnay reigns supreme. It is used for all Chablis wines and has made them famous around the world. The most highly prized among them is Chablis Grand Cru, with its green-gold color and perfect balance between liveliness, dryness and acidity.
You will also appreciate Chablis Premier Cru wines. This appellation encompasses a wide range of aromas from the most mineral to the most floral.
Chablis wines are very dry, and stand out with their freshness and sophistication.
Petit Chablis are wines rich in aromas of white blossom and citrus and are light and full of life.
Grand Auxerrois: a varied range of appellations
The Grand Auxerrois covers a multitude of very old small plots which are today sorted into four terroirs:
• The Auxerrois covers around a dozen communes to the south and southeast of Auxerre
• Farther to the east, beyond Chablis, the vines of the Tonnerrois are found in the valley of the Armançon, the river that runs through the little town of Tonnerre.
• In the south of the Grand Auxerrois region is the Vézelien, which covers Vézelay, Asquins, Saint-Père and Tharoiseau
• The slopes of the Jovinien look down over the town of Joigny, to the north of Auxerre
On these limestone soils, the wines are mainly produced from the traditional Bourgogne varietals of Chardonnay and Aligoté for whites, and Pinot Noir and Gamay for the reds. César for reds, and Sacy or Melon for whites are used in smaller quantities. César, which is a very old Bourgogne varietal, sometimes makes a minor appearance in certain Irancy wines.
There is an exception in Saint-Bris, where the winemakers produce very aromatic whites from the Sauvignon grape.
The Grand Auxerrois brings a wide palette of appellations to the Bourgogne winegrowing region, mainly specific appellations Régionales:
Appellations Villages: Irancy, Saint-Bris, Vézelay
Appellations Régionales specific to Grand Auxerrois: Bourgogne Chitry, Bourgogne Côte Saint-Jacques, Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxerre, Bourgogne Coulanges-la-Vineuse, Bourgogne Epineuil, Bourgogne Tonnerre,
TO NOTE
In the Chablis winegrowing area, as in the Grand Auxerrois, you will find AOC Régionales that are made right across the whole region: Bourgogne, Bourgogne Aligoté, Bourgogne Passe-tout-grains, Coteaux Bourguignons and Crémant de Bourgogne.