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Beaune

Burgundy

DijonBeauneNuits-St-GeorgesMeursaultChalon-sur-SaôneBeauneBeaune

Côte d’Or & Côte Chalonnaise

The wine capital of Burgundy and home to an astonishing 42 premier cru vineyards. Mostly known for its graceful, mid-weight reds, Beaune is a perfect starting point for anyone exploring the heart of the Côte de Beaune.

The wines of Beaune are made primarily from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay.

214–354 m

Elevation range

redwhite

Wine styles

42 Premier Crus

Avg. slope 5.8°

25 Vineyards

Avg. slope 5°

Vineyard Map

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Nearby Appellations

To the north Savigny-lès-Beaune

To the south Pommard

Add Beaune to your Discoveries. When you taste one, you can tick it off.

Terroir & Character

Climate

Protected from harsh western winds by the Côte d'Or escarpment, Beaune enjoys a slightly warmer microclimate than appellations further north due to its more sheltered position in the valley. The east-facing exposure provides gentle morning sun while avoiding excessive afternoon heat, creating ideal ripening conditions for Pinot Noir.

Terroir

LimestoneMarlClay

Beaune sits on Middle Jurassic limestone bedrock from the Bathonian and Bajocian stages, rich in marine fossils including brachiopods and crinoids. The slopes feature a complex mix of limestone scree, marl, and clay deposits that create excellent drainage on the upper slopes while retaining moisture in the mid-slope areas, allowing vine roots to penetrate deep into the fractured limestone substrate.

Typical Aromas

red cherrystrawberryrose petalswet earthmushroomsubtle spice
Explore the aroma wheel

Notable Producers

Bouchard Pere & FilsMajor negociant, Beaune Greves Vigne de l'Enfant Jesus
Joseph DrouhinLeading negociant, broad Burgundy range
Louis JadotTop negociant, extensive vineyard holdings

Grapes of Beaune

Pinot Noir

Red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
strawberryraspberryred cherryviolet

The benchmark Pinot Noir. Côte de Nuits leans structured and dark-cherried, Côte de Beaune turns perfumed and supple, both ageing into forest floor and truffle.

Chardonnay

White
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
green applelemonpearnectarine

Chardonnay's homeland. Chablis stays steely and citrus-driven, the Côte de Beaune turns rich and hazelnutty, the Mâconnais sits comfortably between.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Beaune known for?▼
Beaune is known as the wine capital of Burgundy and is home to an impressive 42 premier cru vineyards. It's particularly renowned for producing graceful, mid-weight red wines that serve as an excellent introduction to Côte de Beaune wines.
What does Beaune wine taste like?▼
Beaune wines are characterized by their graceful, mid-weight style with elegant structure and balanced intensity. The reds typically display classic Burgundian characteristics with refined tannins and excellent aging potential.
What grapes are grown in Beaune?▼
Beaune primarily grows Pinot Noir for its renowned red wines, which make up the majority of production. Some Chardonnay is also cultivated for white wine production, following the traditional Burgundian grape varieties.
How many premier crus does Beaune have?▼
Beaune has an astonishing 42 premier cru vineyards, making it one of the most premier cru-rich appellations in Burgundy. This exceptional number of classified sites demonstrates the area's outstanding terroir diversity and quality potential.
What soil types are found in Beaune?▼
Beaune's vineyards are planted on a diverse mix of limestone, marl, and clay soils. This varied soil composition contributes to the complexity and distinctive character of Beaune wines across its many premier cru sites.

Map data: INAO, Cadastre, manual adjustments · Imagery: Sentinel-2 cloudless by EOX IT Services GmbH (CC BY 4.0)