AOC Rully

Rully wine made a name for itself long before the appellation existed. In 1629, when Louis XIII passed through Chalon-sur-Saône, the town’s aldermen presented the king with 22 feuillettes of Rully, casks holding about 137 liters (36 US gallons) each.

From Borrowed Names to Classified Climats

In 1895, vines covered about 600 hectares (1,480 acres). Rully was often sold under more prestigious names such as Mercurey, even though some climats, as Burgundy calls its named vineyard sites, already enjoyed a strong reputation.

Recognized in 1939, the appellation saw a list of its most renowned climats granted Premier Cru status as early as 1943.

After World War II, the vineyard had shrunk to just 90 hectares (220 acres). A few pioneers, convinced of these slopes’ quality, kept its name alive. By 2010, vines again covered about 345 hectares (850 acres). Since the mid-1980s, négociant houses have also bought grape must to make white Rully, which they promote as far as export markets.

History of the AOC Rully

Situated in the heart of Burgundy, the AOC Rully stands out for its long viticultural history, dating back to antiquity. This region was cultivated by monks and nobles throughout history, showcasing a deeply rooted tradition. The appellation was officially recognized in 1939, shedding light on the characteristics of wines from this unique terroir.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Rully

• Climate: The Rully vineyard enjoys a continental climate with semi-oceanic influences, allowing for slow and complete grape ripening.
• Soils: The terroir of the AOC Rully consists of clay-limestone soils and marls, bringing finesse and minerality to the wines.

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay: Emblematic Grape Varieties of AOC Rully

Like other appellations in Burgundy, Pinot Noir reigns supreme for red wines, providing structure and elegance, while Chardonnay predominates for white wines, bringing richness and vivacity.

Style of AOC Rully Wines

Red Wine: Bright ruby red color, which tends towards garnet as it ages. The aromatic bouquet is marked by notes of fresh red fruits (cherry, raspberry, blackcurrant), flowers (lilac, violet, rose petals), evolving into aromas of undergrowth and soft spices with age. The palate is harmonious, characterized by a beautiful structure and fine tannins.

White Wine: Pale gold color, often enhanced with green highlights. On the nose, they express scents of white flowers (acacia, honeysuckle), lemon, and green apple, accompanied by nuances of hazelnut and brioche due to barrel aging. On the palate, these white wines are lively and round at the same time, with refreshing acidity and a beautiful mineral length.

Best Food Pairings with AOC Rully Wines

Here are our recommendations for the best food pairings with a bottle of Burgundy wine from an estate or château in AOC Rully in both white and red:

• Red Wine: beef fondue, coq au vin, duck à l'orange.
• White Wine: artichoke with fresh cheese, Burgundy snails, creamed pike.

Rully: Premier Cru Climats, Grapes and Slopes

How many Premier Cru climats does Rully have?

Rully has 23 climats classified as Premier Cru, all on the main slope and facing the rising sun. Their name may follow the appellation name on the label. In 2010, these Premier Cru sites covered 85 hectares (210 acres): 59 of Chardonnay and 26 of Pinot Noir.

Can red Rully contain Chardonnay?

Red Rully can include Chardonnay and Pinot Gris alongside Pinot Noir, its main grape. These secondary varieties grow interplanted with Pinot Noir in the vineyard, up to 15% of each plot, and are fermented together with it.

Which way do Rully vineyards face?

Rully vineyards sit mostly on south- and east-facing slopes, between 220 and 300 meters (720 to 985 feet) above sea level. Turned toward the sunrise over the Saône plain, they warm up early in the morning and stay clear of the morning fog common on the plain.

Where can you buy Rully direct from the winemaker?

You can buy Rully direct from the winemaker on Avenue des Vins. Each wine’s page names the producer who made it.

See also: AOC Mercurey - AOC Givry - AOC Bourgogne Côte chalonnaise