Chorey-lès-Beaune

France · AOC · Burgundy

Styles

Natural factors

Vineyard planted on 2 alluvial fans: the southern fan (alluvium from the Rhoin river, calcareous gravels) and the northern fan (more clay-rich, with abundant "chailles"). (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
Clay soils to the north, gravelly and calcareous soils to the south; subsoils with coarse elements ensuring effective drainage.
Cool oceanic climate with continental influences; ~750 mm/year of rainfall with no marked summer drought, mean annual temperature of 10.5 °C.
The appellation is restricted to the single commune of Chorey-lès-Beaune (Côte-d'Or), situated on the plain northeast of Beaune, on the Côte de Beaune (~25 km NE/SW). (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)

Human factors

Vines attested in Chorey-lès-Beaune as early as 706 (will of Ansebert, Bishop of Autun); AOC recognised in 1937.
Wines were sold under the name "Beaune" until 1936; wines from 1831 blended Gamay and Pinot Noir ("noiriens"), vinified as passe-tout-grain.

Product characteristics

Supple reds with aromas of small red fruits; in certain vintages the wines develop greater tannin structure and become candidates for ageing.
Supple whites with bright acidity, a floral character, and impressive expressiveness from a young age.

Terroir / wine link

Soils on alluvial fans: gravelly alluvium (drainage), clays (moisture regulation), calcareous pebbles to the south and siliceous pebbles to the north (heat retention) → freshness and elegance.

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.