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Hautes Côtes de Beaune

Burgundy

The hillside vineyards behind the Côte de Beaune, stretching across a wide area of higher-altitude slopes. The wines are lighter and more fresh than their famous valley-floor neighbours, offering genuine Burgundy character at very accessible prices.

The wines of Hautes Côtes de Beaune are made primarily from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir. Steely, mineral, unoaked.

Vineyard Map

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Nearby Appellations

To the east Beaune

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Terroir & Classification

Soils

LimestoneMarlClay

The Hautes Côtes de Beaune sits on Middle Jurassic limestone bedrock with significant marl and clay deposits that create excellent water retention at higher elevations. The limestone subsoil provides good drainage while the clay-marl mixture allows vine roots to penetrate deeply, accessing mineral-rich layers that contribute to the wines' characteristic tension and minerality.

Classification

Village appellation. No classified premier cru vineyards, but the village-level wines consistently offer genuine Burgundy character at approachable prices.

Elevation

300-450m, primarily east and southeast-facing slopes

Microclimate

The higher altitude creates cooler temperatures and longer growing seasons compared to the Côte de Beaune proper, with greater diurnal temperature variation that preserves acidity and aromatic freshness. The elevated position also provides better air circulation, reducing frost risk but extending the ripening period.

Typical Aromas

red cherrywild strawberryforest floorlimestone mineralityfresh herbsviolet

Grapes of Burgundy

Chardonnay

white
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
green applelemonpearmelon

Steely, mineral, unoaked

Pinot Noir

red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
strawberryraspberryred cherryviolet

Thin-skinned grape with naturally low tannin. Typically made as a single varietal; also used extensively for Champagne and other sparkling wines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hautes Côtes de Beaune known for?▼
Hautes Côtes de Beaune is known for producing authentic Burgundy wines at very accessible prices from hillside vineyards situated behind the famous Côte de Beaune. These higher-altitude vineyards offer genuine Burgundian character without the premium cost of their valley-floor neighbors.
What does Hautes Côtes de Beaune wine taste like?▼
The wines are lighter and more fresh compared to the valley-floor Côte de Beaune wines, with bright acidity from the higher altitude vineyards. They maintain classic Burgundy character but with a more delicate, crisp profile that reflects their hillside terroir.
What grapes are grown in Hautes Côtes de Beaune?▼
As a Burgundy appellation, Hautes Côtes de Beaune primarily grows Pinot Noir for red wines and Chardonnay for white wines. Both varieties benefit from the cooler, higher-altitude growing conditions that preserve freshness and elegance.
What makes Hautes Côtes de Beaune different from its neighbors?▼
The key difference is altitude and location - these vineyards are situated on higher hillside slopes behind the prestigious Côte de Beaune. This results in cooler growing conditions that produce lighter, fresher wines with more accessible pricing than the famous valley-floor appellations.
What soil types are found in Hautes Côtes de Beaune?▼
The soils are composed of limestone, marl, and clay, which are classic Burgundian soil types. This combination provides excellent drainage from the limestone while the marl and clay retain moisture and contribute to the wine's mineral character.

Map data: INAO, Cadastre, manual adjustments