Bourgogne-Hautes-Côtes-de-Beaune Wine Region Guide

Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Beaune is a wine region in Burgundy that produces red, rose, and white wines. Hautes-Cotes means "high slopes," and refers to the high slopes of Beaune where vines are planted. The region is known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which produce good-value wines. The wine region of Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Beaune consists of 29 villages and 835 hectares of vineyards. Vines are planted between 290 and 500 meters above sea level at the base of a limestone cliff that receives plenty of sunlight. The wine region was granted AOC status in 1961, with strict regulations governing wine quality. Wines that do not pass the strict test are labeled as Bourgogne wines.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Beaune!

Where is the Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Beaune wine region?

The wine region of Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Beaune is located in the high area of the Cote d'Or escarpment, just west of the Cote de Beaune wine region. The appellation encompasses 22 communes in the Cote d'Or and seven communes in the Saone et Loire. The vineyards are located on the limestone cliffs of valleys that stretch west from Les Maranges to Ladoix Serrigny. The region is only 9 kilometers west of Beaune, 55 kilometers southwest of Dijon, and 160 kilometers north of Lyon.

History of the Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Beaune wine region

Since the Middle Ages, the Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Beaune wine region has been producing wines. Red wines from the region are said to have been consumed during Philippe Auguste's coronation in the 12th century. Winemaking and viticulture were at their peak during the Middle Ages until the Phylloxera infestation destroyed them in the 19th century. Between 1910 and 1936, the region was plagued by an infestation that destroyed more than half of its vineyards. Since 1945, winegrowers in the Hautes Cotes de Beaune have worked hard to maintain their previous reputation, finally receiving AOC status on August 4, 1961.

The terroir and geography of the Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Beaune wine region

Vineyards are located on the south-facing slopes of the valley at an altitude between 290 and 500 meters which is higher than the Cote de Beaune. The altitude and good sun exposure allow grapes to mature late with enhanced flavor. Soil is mostly limestone, clay, marl, and sandstone, formed during the Trias period dating back 80 million years. The climate in the region is cooler compared to the lower Cotes de Beaune region. 

Popular grape varieties from the Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Beaune wine region

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir dominate in white and red varietals cultivated in the Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Beaune wine region. The region also allows Pinot Blanc to be used to produce white wines. Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris are allowed to blend with Pinot Noir to produce its red wines. A small fraction of Gamay is also planted in the region. 

Food to pair with Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Beaune wine 

Tournedos à la bordelaise

If you're looking for a tender red meat dish with an authentic French sauce, Tournedos à la Bordelaise will satisfy both your hunger and your palate. The dish, which originated in the famous Bordeaux wine region, consists of beef steak and bordelaise sauce. A thick beef steak is seasoned and pan-seared on both sides until browned before being grilled or baked at a low temperature for an extended period of time. The meat becomes tender and juicy, with a variety of flavors, and is served with an authentic French sauce on top. The sauce is made with finely chopped shallots, butter, spices, salt, and pepper, and is reduced in dry red wine until smooth. The dish is served with French fries and pairs nicely with a red wine from the Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Beaune wine region.

Poulet au cidre

Poulet au cidre is a traditional French dish that is quick to prepare and delicious to eat. This savory dish's main ingredients are chicken breast and cider. Depending on the region, chicken can be cooked in a variety of ways ranging from simmering to frying. In butter, onions and apples are sautéed. Cook until the chicken pieces are brown. Cider is added to the mixture and cooked until reduced before adding cream to smooth it out. Seasonings include salt, pepper, and nutmeg. The dish brings out a lot of flavor and creaminess while keeping the chicken tender. Pair this flavorful dish with white wines from the Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Beaune wine region. 

Civet de Canard

Civet de canard is a traditional French duck stew made with, among other things, duck legs and breasts, bacon, flour, shallots, garlic, red wine, balsamic vinegar, stock, carrots, bay leaves, and thyme. Before adding other ingredients to make a sauce, duck pieces are floured and fried. The dish is prepared until the meat and carrots are tender. Civet de Canard is traditionally served with broad beans, mashed potatoes, or roasted parsnips. Enjoy this traditional dish with Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Beaune wine.

Places to visit in the Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Beaune wine region

Musee de Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune

In 1443, Nicolas Rolin, chancellor of Burgundy, built the Hospices de Beaune or Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune to provide health services to the poor. Burgundian architecture from the 15th century graces the structure. The majority of the structure has been well preserved, with ornate rooftops and timber galleries.

After 1971, the structure was converted into a museum, and the hospital service is now provided in a modern building nearby, keeping the original mission alive. The organization also hosts a three-day charity wine event dedicated entirely to the food and wines of Burgundy. Since 1859, the event has been held on the third Sunday of November.

Cluny Abbey

Cluny abbey is a Benedictine monastery founded in 910 by Duke Willian I of Aquitaine. This spectacular abbey was dedicated to Saint Peter which had an exceptional influence on Europe during the medieval period through its political, artistic, and religious views. During the 10th century, the abbey stood as a center of the European monastic empire with 1100 priories and more than 10000 monks under its roof. The abbey flaunts its Romanesque architectural style and was the largest church until the construction of St Peter’s Basilica. The church was almost demolished during the French revolution. The abbey was then sold in 1823 and was used as a quarry. 

Frequently asked questions about Bourgogne-Hautes-Cotes-de-Beaune