Beaune
Styles
Principal grape varieties
Accessory grape varieties
Terroir
Natural factors
- Jurassic limestone slope: Callovian at the base, Oxfordian in the middle and upper sections, capped by a hard limestone cliff at the summit. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Thin, carbonate-rich, free-draining soils, with toposequences ranging from the upper slope (poor, highly calcareous) to the lower slope (clay-rich, decarbonated).
- General east/south-east aspect, at elevations between 225 m and 340 m, with local variations created by a dry valley and several combes. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Cool oceanic climate with continental influences: ~750 mm of rainfall per year, mean annual temperature of 10.5°C, with thermal shelter provided by the Morvan massif to the east. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
- The appellation is restricted to the single commune of Beaune (Côte-d'Or), on a tectonically formed ridge extending approximately 25 km in length.
Human factors
- AOC recognised in 1936; Premier Cru status listed in 1943, derived from a classification established in 1860 by the Comité de viticulture de Beaune.
- Planting density exceeding 9,000 vines/ha; grape varieties: Pinot Noir N and Chardonnay B; ageing carried out over several months.
Product characteristics
- Reds: well-balanced tannic structure, with animal notes and red fruit aromas, offering good ageing potential.
- Whites: lively and full-bodied with a fine balance, the good acidity showcasing the Chardonnay to its best advantage.
Terroir / wine link
- Shallow, free-draining soils combined with the optimal exposure of the Premiers Crus on limestone slopes ensure maximum ripeness.
Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.
Sources
- Product specification (BO Agri, PDF) — approved 2 décembre 2011, JORF 6 décembre 2011
- Official INAO text (show_texte)
- INAO product entry
- Official trade body site — BIVB