Côte de Beaune

The vineyards of Bourgogne produce some great wines with a historical and international reputation. However, the region is not simply limited to its iconic appellations. In addition to its Village Premier Cru and Grand Cru AOCs, it also produces a range of wonderful Régionale and Village appellations to explore.


You will also find a full list of the Bourgogne’s Climats and lieux-dits on this page.


Check out the complete list of the 84 Bourgogne appellations.

However, your exploration has only just begun. Bourgogne wines have never before offered such high quality. Besides our range of internationally celebrated wines, try some of our lesser-known appellations where there are lots of surprises in store.

And for a fun way to find out more about the wines on offer, try out our “Which Bourgogne wine is right for me?” quiz, or check out Bourgogne Maps to take an interactive tour of the region.

  • Category

    Village appellation

  • Wine-producing region

    VIGNOBLE DE LA CÔTE DE BEAUNE

  • Creation of the appellation

    31 juillet 1937

  • Colour

    Red wines - Pinot Noir
    White wines - Chardonnay

  • Area under production*:
    1 hectare (ha) = 10,000 m² = 24 ouvrées.
    Reds: 14.54 ha.
    Whites: 16.78 ha.

    * in 2018 

  • Appellation Village of the Côte de Beaune region (Côte-d’Or).
    This appellation must not be confused with the appellation CÔTE DE BEAUNE-VILLAGES (for which see Appellation sheets N°35).
    Producing commune: Beaune.
    On the label, this appellation may be followed by the name of the Climat of origin.
     

Wine Characteristics - Côte de Beaune

Wine
Characteristics

Like its close neighbour and kin of the Beaune appellation, the red wine of the Côte de Beaune is a straight ruby colour with a hint of mauve highlights.
The nose is straightforward (small red fruits and notes of animal, humus and underbrush), and preludes a round and seductive palate with just the right degree of acidity to ensure some keeping potential. Its texture is firm without severity, flavorful and captivating.
The white (from the Chardonnay grape) has everything that it should have: vivacity, brilliance, and intense gold colour. The bouquet features citrus and freshly-mown grass. Rounded and supple, it has good backing from the acidity. It charms the palate with its fruit plus a touch of minerality, and finishes, frequently, on hazelnut.
 

Wine Steward’s Tip - Côte de Beaune

Wine
Steward’s Tip

Red: powerful but smooth, it has the forceful aromatic appeal that characterizes the Burgundian Pinot Noir. Toothsome roasts of pork or beef, or braised veal harmonise well with the Côte de Beaune reds since they match each other in aromatic power and the flattering roundness of the wine will make the meat seem to melt in the mouth.
Cheeses: Soumaintrain, Munster, Chaource.
Serving temperature: 15 to 16°C.


White: the characteristic roundness of the Chardonnay, backed by vivacious citrus aromas makes it the partner of choice for poultry in white sauce, pasta, risotto with shellfish and almost any salt-water fish, poached or steamed.
Cheeses: Comté, Beaufort, Gruyère, and goat cheeses.
Serving temperature: 12 to 13°C
 

Situation - Côte de Beaune

Situation

When Beaune’s twins AOCs were instituted in 1936, it was the higher altitude vineyards which became the Côte de Beaune appellation. Unlike the appellation Côte de Beaune-Village, with which it must not be confused, it refers to one commune only - Beaune. Within this relatively restricted area, the appellation Côte de Beaune produces one third white wines (Chardonnay) to two-thirds red (Pinot Noir).

Terroirs - Côte de Beaune

Terroirs

The Côte de Beaune vineyards lie on the upper slopes of the Montagne de Beaune just above the Premier Cru plots at heights of 300 to 370 metres and on brown limestone and calcium-rich soils, Oolitic and Rauracian (Jurassic) in origin. The special value of these vineyards is attested by the fact that one of the Climats belonging to this appellation, located on Mont Battois, is a dedicated part of Bourgogne’s vine-science research program.

List of "Climats et Lieux-dits"
for this appellation

Lieux-dits

Dessus des MarconnetsLa Grande ChâtelaineLes Mondes RondesLes MonsnièresLes Pierres BlanchesLes Topes BizotMontbatois
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