AOC Beaune

Created in 1936, the Beaune AOC belongs to the Côte de Beaune and is located between Pommard and Savigny-lès-Beaune. The appellation covers just over 400 hectares, of which about 85% is planted with Pinot Noir. It also includes 42 climates classified as Premier Cru, representing nearly 70% of its vineyard. Here, the red wines stand out for their character and indulgentise, with an aging potential that can reach 10 to 20 years for the finest cuvées. The white wines are generally appreciated in their youth for their freshness and beautiful balance.

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History of the Beaune Appellation

At the heart of the Burgundy wine region, the Beaune appellation is part of one of the oldest and most emblematic traditions of French wines.From the  9th century onwards, the monks from the surrounding abbeys played a fundamental role in identifying the best terroirs and in structuring the vineyard. Their work in selecting plots contributed to building the reputation of Beaune wines far beyond regional borders.

From the 14th and 15th centuries onwards, the influence of the Dukes of Burgundy marked a new decisive stage. Beaune then became a major administrative, political, and commercial center, at the heart of medieval wine trade. The wine trade contributed greatly to the prosperity of the city, which gradually established itself as a key crossroads for merchants and travelers. Cuvées made from the region’s emblematic grape varieties were already being negotiated here: Pinot Noir for red wine and Chardonnay for white wine, pillars of Burgundian identity.This historical and cultural wealth explains why Beaune remains today a central pillar of Burgundy wine production. 

The year 1936 marks a foundational milestone with the official creation of the Beaune AOC, guaranteeing the origin, typicity, and quality of the wines. Then, starting in the 1940s, the recognition of numerous parcels classified as Premier Cru further refined this hierarchy and reinforced the prestige of the appellation. The international renown of the  Hospices de Beaune wine auctions, an iconic event in the wine world, also helps to firmly establish Beaune’s image of excellence.

Today, the Beaune AOP is among the most respected and sought-after appellations when it comes to great wines from Burgundy. With a heritage passed down through the centuries, Beaune thus embodies the perfect balance between history, vineyards, terroir, and passion for wine, making it an essential reference for enthusiasts and connoisseurs.

 

Styles of Beaune AOC wines

Although 90% of the production of Beaune AOC is dedicated to red wine, white wines are also produced by winemakers within the appellation. 

The red wine produced in Beaune AOC captivates with its aromatic finesse. Indeed, it regularly develops lovely aromas of red fruits (morello cherry, blackberry), as well as deeper notes of sweet spices and undergrowth as it evolves. 

Beaune white wine, more confidential, reveals another facet of the vineyard. Made from the Chardonnay grape variety, it stands out for its liveliness, floral aromas, and citrus notes. Its remarkable balance, between freshness and roundness, allows for the production of highly appreciated cuvées, especially when they express the minerality typical of the limestone soils of the Côte de Beaune.

The reputation of Beaune is part of a broader whole: that of the prestigious terroirs of the region, where world-renowned names such as Chablis, Chambertin, Montrachet, and Pouilly-Fuissé can be found. Despite this prestigious competition, Beaune maintains a strong identity, marked by the diversity and consistent quality of its cuvées, vintage after vintage.

 

The terroir of the appellation

The Beaune vineyard flourishes on an exceptionally rich terroir, a true signature of the appellation. This mosaic of soils, blending clay, limestone, and marl, offers an ideal setting for the expression of the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grape varieties, the emblematic varieties of Burgundy. The slope of the hillsides, combined with optimal exposure, allows the vines to benefit from good sunlight throughout the year, giving rise to wines that are both intense, elegant, and perfectly balanced.

The numerous plots classified as Premier Cru also perfectly illustrate the diversity of this unique terroir.Each climate develops its own identity: some produce deep and structured reds, while others reveal bright whites, marked by remarkable mineral freshness. This variety gives the AOP its complex and captivating character, making the appellation a true benchmark for enthusiasts and professionals.

The semi-continental climate also plays a key role. Generous summers and mild autumns ensure ideal ripening of Pinot Noir, rich in aromatic concentration, as well as Chardonnay, which expresses its floral notes with finesse and purity. These conditions allow the production of wines that faithfully reflect the typicality of the Beaune terroir.

Although other areas of Burgundy also produce very fine wines, Beaune remains an essential reference for all those seeking excellence.

 

Beaune in the Burgundy region

Beaune occupies a central place in the world of Burgundy wines. A true crossroads of wine and culture, the city embodies the quintessential Burgundian spirit: diversity of terroirs, centuries-old tradition, and expertise renowned worldwide. Its influence extends far beyond borders, making it an essential reference for lovers of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

With its numerous Premier Crus, the Beaune AOC is also at the heart of a prestigious group of appellations that shape the identity of the Burgundy vineyard.Among the most well-known and sought-after, we find in particular: Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Savigny-lès-Beaune, Puligny-Montrachet, Saint-Aubin, Chassagne-Montrachet, Chablis, Mâcon, Pouilly-Fuissé and other Grands Crus such as Clos de Vougeot, Chambertin, Corton or La Romanée. Each of these appellations indeed contributes to the worldwide reputation of Burgundy wines, offering a unique diversity of styles and terroirs.

Within this prestigious mosaic, Beaune stands out for the richness of its climates, the variety of its soils, and the finesse of its cuvées. The red wine shines with its structure and elegance, while the white seduces with its freshness and mineral character. This diversity makes Beaune an essential destination.

 

Premier Cru plots

Beaune is one of the appellations with the largest number of Premier Cru, a real asset for enthusiasts. Here are some emblematic plots that are benchmarks in the Burgundy landscape:

  • Les Grèves : often considered one of the most representative Premier Crus of the AOP, known for its racy, straight, and elegant wines.
  • Les Teurons : a terroir offering beautiful roundness and balanced wines, with fine tannins and generous substance.
  • Les Bressandes : renowned for producing refined cuvées, with a very beautiful length on the palate.
  • Les Cent-Vignes : a renowned climat for its appealing cuvées, more accessible but highly characteristic of the Beaune style.
  • Clos des Mouches : one of the most iconic climats, producing both elegant and powerful reds and refined, aromatic whites. 
  • Les Aigrots, Les Montées / Les Fèves : Varied plots that perfectly showcase the variety and complexity of the AOP’s Premiers Crus.

 

All these Premiers Crus illustrate the richness and diversity of the Beaune vineyard, offering wines of great finesse, capable of appealing both to discerning enthusiasts and to passionate seekers of authentic wines that are deeply representative of the Burgundy terroir.

 

The best pairings with AOP Beaune cuvées

The reds of AOP Beaune are ideal companions for a wide variety of dishes : roasted white meats, poultry in sauce, slow-cooked dishes such as a revisited beef bourguignon. Their natural balance pairs as well with traditional cuisine as with more contemporary preparations.

As for white wine, their freshness, floral notes, and minerality blend beautifully with fish in sauce, shellfish, pan-seared scallops, or poultry in cream sauce. Their delicate roundness also allows for subtle pairings with creamy cheeses such as Chaource, Brillat-Savarin, or certain aged goat cheeses.

Red or white, AOP Beaune wines are therefore perfect allies to enhance meals or accompany more intimate tasting moments among enthusiasts.

 

Tips for ideally tasting AOP cuvées

To fully appreciate the complexity of Beaune wines, a few simple gestures can transform the tasting experience.

 

Serving temperature

The reds of Beaune are best enjoyed between 14 and 16°C, a temperature that perfectly reveals the aromas of Pinot Noir without emphasizing the tannins.

White wines are ideally enjoyed between 10 and 12°C, in order to preserve their freshness while revealing their indulgente.

 

Aeration and decanting

A young red wine from the Beaune AOP often benefits from being aerated before serving. About thirty minutes in a decanter can allow the Pinot Noir to reveal its full aromatic palette. Older vintages, on the other hand, require a delicate opening to avoid any oxidation.

Young white wines can also be briefly decanted to release their aromas.

 

Choice of glass

To fully enjoy Beaune wines, the choice of glass is essential. For reds from the AOP, opt for a tulip glass or a Burgundy glass with a wide opening. This shape allows the wine to aerate, release its aromas, and reveal the finesse of its tannins.

For whites, choose a glass that is slightly narrowed towards the rim. This configuration concentrates the delicate aromas and preserves the freshness as well as the minerality of the Chardonnay.

 

Mistakes to avoid when buying a wine

When purchasing a wine from the AOC Beaune, certain mistakes can negatively influence the tasting experience. Understanding the specificities of the Beaune AOC is therefore essential to fully enjoy the richness of the flavors of the Burgundy vineyard !

 

Drinking a vintage that is too young

Many Burgundy wine enthusiasts make the mistake of drinking a Beaune red that is too young. The most structured cuvées, especially those from Premier Cru plots, actually require a few years of rest to express their full potential. 

A red wine that is too young may indeed seem closed, less harmonious, or even austere.So, be (a little) patient, you will be rewarded !

 

Neglecting storage conditions

Both red and white wine require suitable conditions to preserve their aromas and balance. The storage conditions of your bottle are therefore very important: a stable temperature around 12-14°C, controlled humidity (70-80%) and a total absence of light and vibrations are the key elements to respect.

Poor storage over several years can indeed alter your wine (even more so for white), changing its color, aromas, or even its structure.Never bet on a good bottle if you are not certain that it has been stored in optimal conditions!

 

Where to buy wines from the Beaune AOC?

The purchase of a Beaune wine, whether it is a structured red made from Pinot Noir or an elegant white made from Chardonnay, deserves special attention as the appellation offers remarkable diversity. The cuvées from this prestigious Burgundy vineyard indeed vary according to the plots, vintages, or even the levels of the appellation (Villages, Premier Cru). It is therefore essential to choose a wine perfectly suited to your tastes and occasions.

To ensure a quality selection, turn to our website La Cave Éclairée. You will find a high-quality range of wines, including the delicious cuvées from domaine Decelle et Fils. Buying your Burgundy wines from us also means benefiting from a detailed description to guide you in your choice, personalized cuvée advice, and careful shipping that ensures the product is respected. Every product on our site is also available in real time, with a clear view of its stock.

So, whether you are looking for a wine from the Beaune AOP to accompany a meal, enrich your cellar, or offer a refined gift, our online store offers selections that showcase all the richness of the Burgundy and French vineyards.

Beyond Beaune, Burgundy is indeed full of iconic winegrowing locations where each vine tells a unique story.From prestigious climates such as Chambertin to more accessible terroirs like Mâcon, Chablis, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Saint-Aubin, or Pouilly-Fuissé, enthusiasts can discover a variety of products reflecting the winegrowing richness of the region. Feel free to discover our selection and take advantage of the personalized advice available on our website to choose the wine that will perfectly meet your expectations !

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