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Vézelay

Burgundy

AuxerreVézelayVézelay

Chablis & Yonne

Chardonnay from the rolling hills near the historic pilgrimage town of Vézelay in the Yonne. These are fresh, pure whites with a distinctive character, and the appellation is still young enough that exploring it feels like being in on a secret.

The wines of Vézelay are made primarily from Chardonnay.

166–327 m

Elevation range

43 Vineyards

Avg. slope 10.5°

Vineyard Map

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

Terroir & Character

Climate

The elevated position and proximity to the Morvan hills create a cooler, more continental climate than the Côte d'Or, with significant diurnal temperature variation that preserves acidity and enhances aromatic complexity. The altitude provides protection from excessive heat while the limestone soils reflect sunlight, creating ideal ripening conditions for Chardonnay.

Terroir

LimestoneMarl

The vineyards sit on Jurassic limestone bedrock from the Oxfordian period, rich in fossilized marine organisms, overlaid with marl deposits that provide excellent drainage while retaining sufficient moisture. The limestone subsoil forces vine roots to penetrate deeply, accessing mineral-rich layers that contribute to the wines' distinctive minerality and precision.

Typical Aromas

white flowerscitrus zestwet limestonegreen applehazelnutfresh herbs
Explore the aroma wheel

Grapes of Vézelay

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 Vézelay known for?▼
Vézelay is known for producing distinctive Chardonnay wines from the rolling hills near the historic pilgrimage town in Burgundy's Yonne department. It's a relatively young appellation that offers fresh, pure white wines with a unique character that feels like discovering a hidden gem.
What does Vézelay wine taste like?▼
Vézelay wines are fresh and pure with a distinctive character that sets them apart from other Burgundian Chardonnays. The limestone and marl soils contribute to their clean, mineral-driven profile with bright acidity.
What grapes are grown in Vézelay?▼
Vézelay exclusively grows Chardonnay grapes. The appellation is dedicated to producing white wines from this classic Burgundian variety.
What makes Vézelay different from its neighbors?▼
Vézelay stands out for its distinctive terroir in the rolling hills near the historic pilgrimage town, producing Chardonnays with a unique character. As a relatively young appellation, it offers an authentic, undiscovered feel compared to more established Burgundian regions.
What soil types are found in Vézelay?▼
Vézelay's vineyards are planted on limestone and marl soils. These calcareous soils are ideal for Chardonnay and contribute to the fresh, mineral character of the wines.

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