Beaune

France · AOC · Burgundy

Styles

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.