AOC Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune

The Hautes Côtes de Beaune are the back country of the Côte de Beaune, the higher ground that rises to the west of it. Since a decree of August 4, 1961, their name can follow AOC Bourgogne on the label: it is a geographic designation within that appellation, not a stand-alone AOC.

Valleys Cut Into the Plateau Behind the Côte de Beaune

The vineyard is spread across a string of valleys that run west, at right angles to the Côte de Beaune, from the Maranges up to Ladoix-Serrigny. The vines grow on the south- and southeast-facing sides, below limestone cliffs.

According to the Burgundy wine trade body, the plots sit between about 950 and 1,590 feet (290 to 485 m), roughly 330 to 660 feet (100 to 200 m) higher than the Côte de Beaune. Underground, Triassic sandstone and clay sit alongside Jurassic marl and limestone.

The same source notes that nearly half the vineyard disappeared between 1910 and 1936. The revival came from the local growers' association, re-founded in 1945, whose work led to the 1961 recognition.

History of the AOC Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune

Perched on the heights of the famous Côte de Beaune in Burgundy, the Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune appellation is one of the most prominent vineyards in Burgundy today. Over the years, this vineyard has established itself as a must-visit appellation in Burgundy thanks to its authentic wines still available at affordable prices for Burgundy.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune

Climate: The vineyards benefit from a continental climate with oceanic influences, bringing marked temperature variations between seasons, which are beneficial to the quality of the grapes.

Soils: The varied soils, mainly limestone and marl, impart beautiful minerality and remarkable freshness to the wines of the Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune AOC.

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay: The Emblematic Grapes of the AOC Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune

Pinot Noir reigns supreme for red wines, offering finesse and elegance. White wines are mainly made from Chardonnay, bringing richness and aromatic complexity. These grape varieties, combined with the specificities of the terroir, yield wines with a strong personality.

Style of AOC Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune Wines

Red Wine: Ruby red color, intensifying to garnet hues. The aroma extends to notes of red fruits (raspberry, cherry), flowers, with animal nuances (leather, fur), and undergrowth as it ages. Elegant and refined, red wines from the Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune AOC feature silky tannins and fine acidity.

White Wine: Pale gold color with green reflections. Bouquet of white flowers (acacia, hawthorn), citrus, and sometimes a touch of vanilla or brioche. The palate is fresh and round, with a persistent and mineral finish.

Rosé Wine: Pale pink color with salmon nuances. The nose presents notes of small red fruits (red currant, strawberry, raspberry), with a floral touch. Fresh and light on the palate, these rosés are ideal for summer days.

Best Food Pairings with AOC Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune Wines

Here is a list of perfect recipes to create the best food pairings with a bottle of white, red, or rosé wine from a domaine or château in AOC Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune:

Red Wine: Lentils with bacon, Beef Bourguignon, Pork tenderloin

White Wine: Salmon with sorrel sauce, Escargots de Bourgogne, Crab

Rosé Wine: Vegetable stir-fry, Aperitif

Hautes Côtes de Beaune: Later Harvests and Villages

Why Does the Harvest Come Later in the Hautes Côtes de Beaune?

Grapes in the Hautes Côtes de Beaune ripen later than on the Côte because the vines grow at a higher elevation. According to the Burgundy wine trade body, harvest there runs about one week behind the Côte de Beaune on average.

Which Saône-et-Loire Villages Make Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune?

In the Saône-et-Loire department, Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune comes from Change, Créot, Épertully, Paris-l'Hôpital and part of the three Maranges villages. The rest of the appellation area lies in the Côte-d'Or department.

Where to Buy Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune Direct from the Winemaker?

You can buy Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune direct from the winemaker on Avenue des Vins. The producer packs and ships your order directly.

See also: AOC Bourgogne Wine - AOC Pommard - AOC Maranges