Beaune Red

What defines red Beaune

Beaune is the town at the centre of the Côte d'Or and gives its name to the Côte de Beaune. Its vineyards lie on the slope west of the town and are planted mostly to Pinot Noir. A large part of the appellation is classified premier cru, so Beaune is one of the easiest places in Burgundy to buy a premier cru red. The wines are mid-weight and supple, with red and dark cherry fruit and a savoury edge, between the delicacy of Volnay and the firmness of Pommard.

The premiers crus we hold

Les Grèves, with gravelly, warm soils, gives one of Beaune's more structured reds; the Vigne de l'Enfant Jésus is a parcel within it, acquired by Bouchard Père & Fils in 1791. Les Bressandes is generously fruited. Les Marconnets, at the northern end on the boundary with Savigny-lès-Beaune, is firmer. Clos de la Mousse is a walled monopole owned by Bouchard Père & Fils. Les Tuvilains, Champs Pimonts and the village Clos du Dessus des Marconnets complete the selection.

How long to keep and how to serve

Our cellar notes give 6 to 15 years for most Beaune premiers crus. Serve at 16 to 18 °C, after 20 to 30 minutes in a decanter when young. These reds suit roast poultry, veal, pork, duck and soft-rind cheeses.

The growers we hold

Bouchard Père & Fils, the négociant-grower founded in 1731 and based at the Château de Beaune, with three premiers crus; Henri Germain et Fils and Bernard Dubois, both in Les Bressandes; Georges Joillot; Gilbert et Christine Felettig in Champs Pimonts; Marchand-Tawse in Les Tuvilains; and Paul Pernot.

We are based in Beaune, and these are the vineyards closest to our door.