Beaune

The appellation d'origine contrôlée Beaune et Beaune Premier Cru is a communal appellation of the Côte de Beaune, Côte-d'Or, France, instituted in 1936. The name of Beaune and Beaune Premier Cru wines may be followed by the name of their climat of origin. There are 42 climats classified as Beaune Premier Cru, including Clos des Mouches, Clos des Ursules, Clos du Roi, Les Toussaints, Les Grèves, etc.

The very image of Burgundy and the capital of its wine, Beaune attracts the world's attention when its Hospices wines are sold. Beaune also boasts one of the most extensive vineyards on the Côte, covering a total area of over 400 hectares, of which around two-thirds are classified as Beaune Premier Cru, representing an annual production of over 12,000 hectolitres. Beaune 's vineyards are planted on limestone soils at the top of the Côte, on argillaceous marl down the slopes, and on limestone mixed with clay at the bottom of the hillside. Beaune Premier Cru vines face due east to due south.

Made from Pinot Noir grapes, Beaune and Beaune Premier Cru red wines have been renowned since the Middle Ages for their youthful temperament, full of fire and bouquet. Quite rare, the whites showcase terroirs favorable to the Chardonnay grape. Magnificent Beaune premiers crus are offered by Maison Bouchard Père et Fils, Domaine Dominique Laurent, Domaine de la Vougeraie, Domaine Chanson Père et Fils and the unmissable Maison Joseph Drouhin.