Côte Chalonnaise Wine Region Guide

The well-respected sub-region of Côte Chalonnaise has various wines known worldwide as the best wines from the best land. Côte Chalonnaise is located in the Saône-et-Loire department, Burgundy, eastern France. Côte Chalonnaise’s sophistication and reach are primarily due to the grape varietals, the climate, and the care of winemakers in the area. These elements define a style of wine found nowhere else in France or the world. The sub-region produces premier quality red and white wines from mainly two grape varieties, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; other blends are also used in much lesser amounts. Due to its size and diversity, this dynamic region is worth discovering if you are looking for an amusing wine adventure.

Find out more about wine tasting and tours in Côte Chalonnaise!

Where is Côte Chalonnaise located?

Côte Chalonnaise is situated in eastern France, in the Saône-et-Loire department of Burgundy, the area known as the cradle of wine in France and famous for its quality. Côte Chalonnaise appellation is 25 km long by 7 km wide and lies between Côte de Beaune and the Mâconnais; other predominant neighbouring wine sub-regions of Burgundy are Chablis and Cote de Nuits. Let’s look at the Côte Chalonnaise wine map. It stretches 4,000 hectares of vineyards covering five communes of Bouzeron, Rully, Mercurey, Givry and Montagny, four of which produce Premier Cru wines. Still, there is no Grand Cru in this appellation. 

The history of Côte Chalonnaise

The Côte Chalonnaise wine region is steeped in history. It is a crucial part of Burgundy, having 2000 years of wine-making history. Named after the town of Chalon-sur-Saône, the sub-region was an authoritative trading centre for the Celts due to its beneficial location. The Ancient Romans later operated the area mainly for trading purposes, which is also proved by the discovery of around 20000 amphoras stamped with Roman emblems in the local graves. In the 6th century, the Grégoire of Tours mentioned the wines of the Côte, and then, over time, the Clergy was in charge of developing the local wines. By the 18th century, the region represented the integral connection between the wine regions in the south of France and the target markets in the north. No Grand Cru vineyards exist in the appellation because the Dukes inhabiting there had a more southern-based focus. They considered these areas to be more rural and for the peasants, which is bizarre, as they had an opportunity and potential to develop the wines even more. In the 19th century, in 1822, was when Burgundy sparkling wine first emerged. Since then, the Côte Chalonnaise wine appellation has been focused on offering primer quality wines and increasing the reputability of the region. Therefore, it developed enough to attain an appellation status in 1975.

The Côte Chalonnaise Terroir

The Cote Chalonnaise soil is famous for its diversity, having over 13 types in different areas, which is reflected in the individual characteristics of its wines. However, limestone is ubiquitous in soils, ensuring the minerality in the taste of wines. We will encounter sand, clay, gravel, and the occasional marl and iron deposits in the subsoils. The climate in the sub-region is continental, with long, warm, dry summers and pretty cold winters. The vineyards sit between 200-300 m above sea level. The height of the terrain helps to protect the vines from excessive frost and hail, and rainfalls are also occasional, all of which create the perfect conditions for producing high-quality grapes and their optimal ripening.

The Côte Chalonnaise wine characteristics

The principal grape varieties of the Cote Chalonnaise, representing almost 95%, are Pinot Noir for producing red wine and Chardonnay for white wine. However, other varieties like Aligoté for white wine and Gamay blends for red wine are also authorized in 5% of production. The commune of Bouzeron is the only village appellation producing white wines principally from Aligoté grapes, which have fruity-floral flavours and notes of citrus and honey. There are more than a hundred Premier Cru vineyards in the appellation, and it also produces sparkling wine labelled as Crémant de Bourgogne, mainly coming from the commune of Rully. The Cote Chalonnaise sparkling wine is light and elegant, with fruity notes like green apples. Red wines are primarily produced in the communes of Mercury and Givry, and they are full-bodied, have deep red colour, and have flavours of blackberries, strawberries, cherries, liquorices, and spices. The commune of Montagny is entirely dedicated to white wine production from Chardonnay grapes, which are relatively acidic with floral aromas, and notes of yellow and white fruit, such as peach, orange and honey melon. Both red and white wines are fermented in oak barrels, with very professional winemakers opting to use new oak. The wines are commonly aged between 6 and 10 months before being bottled and sold earlier than the next vintage harvest.

Foods to pair with Côte Chalonnaise wine

Coq au vin

Coq au vin is a French dish of chicken braised in red wine and brandy with lardons and mushrooms. The recipe is often modified to include herbs, bay leaves, garlic, onions and other vegetables. The dish originated in the Burgundy region of France. The name translates to “rooster with wine”. It is usually made with a rooster or hen raised on a farm and then slaughtered. This meal is not complete without a glass of red Bourguignon wine. 

Roast pike-perch with pears and liquorice root

This traditional French dish is cooked with perch fish, butter, liquorice root, sage, leak, and pear. For its silky, meaty texture and a few sour notes, this meal is excellent to savour with a glass of vin Côte Chalonnaise.

Escargots Bourguignonne

The Burgundian style of cooking snails is a traditional French cuisine. It is popular in the regions of Burgundy and Franche-Comté. The dish is made by cooking the snails in a pan with butter, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. The ingredients are then cooked until they become browned and fragrant. This dish is fantastic to pair with Cote Chalonnaise white wine, like any shellfish.

Places to visit in the Côte Chalonnaise wine region

Château de Sercy

This château de Sercy is one of the most historical monuments in rural Burgundy, dating back to the 12th century. It features impressive architecture and gardens and should not be missed if you are in the region of Cote Chalonnaise. 

Village of Buxy

The medieval village of Buxy offers a glimpse into the past. Built before the Middle Ages and in the Régime of Ancient, this village retains many old elements that help visitors learn about its history. The village is home to the Saint-Germain church, built in the Romanesque style.

Château de Rully

The Château de Rully has been in the region since the 12th century and provides a gorgeous view of the Châlons shoreline. It is owned by a descendant of The Lord of Rully, who built it more than 800 years ago.

Frequently Asked Questions about Côte Chalonnaise wine region