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Beaune, the capital of Burgundy, is a lively city in the Côte d'Or region of France. It is located near Dijon and has many opportunities for wine tourism and culture. The city is surrounded by vineyards and boasts many examples of architectural innovation. The city's architecture reflects its status as one of Burgundy's major wine centers. The city has numerous medieval monuments, including many churches mainly from the 13th century to the 15th century. The region is also famous for its cuisine, which food critics have widely praised. The Climats or terroirs of  Beaune are classified on the UNESCO World Heritage List

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Where is Beaune Wine Region?

Beaune is a city in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of France. It is surrounded by villages and communes such as Vougeot, Gevrey-Chambertin, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet and Morey-Saint-Denis. Beaune commune is situated in the Côte de Beaune subregion of the Burgundy wine region. This region is home to many famous winemakers and vineyards. The most famous wine from Beaune is Burgundy wine, which is a red wine that comes from the Pinot Noir grape. Beaune wine is considered to be highly collectible and difficult to find.

The History of the Beaune Wine Region

The Beaune wine region is one of the oldest wine regions in France. It was visited by Catherine de Medici, who brought viticulture from Italy and planted vineyards there. This wine region is also important because its wines are usually considered to be some of the finest in Burgundy. Beaune has been famous for its red wines since the 16th century, but it also produces white wines made from Chardonnay grapes.

Terroir of Beaune

Beaune is known for its vineyards, which produce wines that are recognized around the world. The climate is mild and there are many days of light rain. Their soil has been around for thousands of years and they're known for producing some of the most famous wines in the world. The city is the starting point of the red wines coming from Pinot Noir and, to a lesser extent, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. From Beaune red wines are shipped to markets around the world. The white wines come from Chardonnay grapes.

Wine Characteristics of  Beaune Wine

Beaune is mainly a red wine produced and is considered to be the most expensive and prestigious red wine in the world. The prices for the Beaune wine are determined by its potential for aging and luxury marketing appeal. Beaune wine has a distinct character that can be attributed to its terroir - it is created from Pinot Noir grape varieties and has to be aged for at least two years before release. Beaune wine has a deep ruby color with hints of brown. It is fruity and often characterized by sweet cherry, plum, and blackcurrant flavors. White wines made from Chardonnay grape varieties are also allowed under the appellation of Beaune. Chardonnay grapes are known for their high sugar content and thick skin. They are usually used in the production of oaked wines, which have vanilla, honey, or caramel-like flavor.

Food to Pair with Beaune wine

Roasted Pike-Perch

Pike-perch is a delicious fish that is easy to prepare with a few ingredients. It is a perfect dish for hosting guests or for the busy cook. For this dish, you will need a roasting pan and some pears, licorice root, and thyme. Pike-perch is commonly found in Europe and it has a firm, white flesh, which is perfect for roasting and pairing with Beaune wine. The two ingredients complement each other so well that the dish becomes a delight for your taste buds.

Délice de Bourgogne

Délice de Bourgogne is a French cheese made from raw milk. It was originally created in Burgundy and it has a soft, creamy, buttery texture and a nutty flavor. It is paired with white Beaune wine and served at room temperature.

Beef Bourguignon

Beef bourguignon is a dish made with beef slowly cooked in red wine and beef broth, other ingredients like onions and carrots are added. The slow cooking in the wine removes any bitterness from the meat. This dish has a very rich and complex flavour that can be enjoyed by many people! 

Beef bourguignon

Beef bourguignon is a slowly-cooked beef stew traditionally made in the French cuisine using wines of burgundy. The dish is typically made with beef, onion, carrots, celery, and flour. The beef is browned in butter or oil before being added to the other ingredients. Bœuf bourguignon is often served with boiled potatoes or pasta

The dish is not a regional recipe from burgundy rather use of wine explains the name. The dish was first recorded in 1867, often made with leftover meat. The dish was recognized as a Burgundian speciality at the beginning of the 20th century. 

The flavours of the dish are rich, complex, and hearty thanks to the long cooking time. The bold Beaune red wine adds depth to the sauce.

Places to Visit in Beaune Wine Region

Hospices de Beaune

The Hospices de Beaune is an architectural masterpiece that has served as a hospital and a home for the sick and poor since the Middle Ages. It was one of France’s most important medieval institutions until it fell into decline during the French Revolution. The revived institution has become one of the most prestigious historic monuments in France, with its flamboyant Gothic architecture, its polychrome roofs, and its spectacular gardens. The Hospices de Beaune is also used for auctioning wines once every year.

Parc de la Bouzaize

The Parc de la Bouzaize is one of the most beautiful parks in the city. The park is made up of a series of ponds, rivers, and streams, as well as ancient trees. On hot summer days, people can relax in the shade provided by these trees or cool off by jumping into one of the many ponds scattered around.

Musée du Vin - Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne

The Musée du Vin is a wine museum located in Beaune. The museum was founded by the Ducs de Bourgogne, who were the Dukes of Burgundy till 1477. The collection is primarily made up of wines from Burgundy and Champagne which are displayed in a variety of rooms decorated with some of the most beautiful paintings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Beaune Wine Region

What Wine Region is Beaune?

Beaune is a small-scale department in the Bourgogne wine region. The climate of this region is mostly cool and rainy, making wine grapes thrive here.

Which Wine Comes from Beaune?

The Beaune appellation is primarily known for its red wines made from Pinot Noir grape varieties but white Chardonnay wines are also popular wines of this appellation produced in comparatively lesser volume.

What are the different kinds of grapes that grow in the Beaune appellation?

The red wines in the Beaune wine appellation dominate over white. Major grape of Beaune wine appellation are Pinot Noir. 
Red Varietals: Pinot Noir
White varietals: Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris

What kind of wine is a Beaune?

The red wines are primarily made of Pinot Noir which is often supplemented by Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. The whites are usually made of Chardonnay but appellation allows winemakers to add Pinot Blanc as an accessory grape. Wines from the northern part of Beaune are quite intense whereas the southern wines are approachable and rounder. Wines made exclusively from Chardonnay are rare to find outside the region. After 3-5 years of aging, the wines develop a mellow and rounded taste. The Pinot Noir wines are powerful, and robust with a rich aroma complemented by silky tannins. These wines are full-bodied and often give spicy notes. 

Where is the Beaune wine region located?

The Beaune wine region is located in the Burgundy wine region of France, specifically in the Côte de Beaune sub-region.

What are the characteristics of wines from Beaune?

Beaune wines are often elegant, complex, and nuanced. Red wines showcase aromas of red berries, earthy notes, and sometimes floral or herbal undertones. White wines exhibit flavors of stone fruits, citrus, and sometimes subtle oak influences.

Are there any prestigious wine appellations in Beaune?

Beaune is home to several prestigious wine appellations, including the Beaune Premier Cru and Beaune Grand Cru, which denote high-quality vineyard sites within the region.

Map of Wineries in Beaune

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Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?
Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Wineries in Beaune