Côte de Beaune Wine Region Guide

The Cote de Beaune is a place that has been around for a while and has its own legacy. It's also revered in the world of wine as a living, breathing, thriving characterful place. That's because it had many success stories over the years, with growers and winemakers developing high-quality wines over an extended period of time. Located in France, the region is famous for its red wines and produces some of the best. "Beaune" is the hub of the wine trade in Burgundy where it's made.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Côte de Beaune!

Location

Beaune is a wine capital in the Côte d'Or region of France. It lies between Dijon and Lyon and is considered the most beautiful city in Burgundy.

Map of Côte de Beaune

History of Cote de Beaune Wine

Cote de Beaune is named after the wine from the rolling hills of Burgundy, France. It is known for its light-bodied flavors, high acidity, and floral notes that contribute to its aromas. The region boasts multiple prestigious appellations including France's wine country and Italy's famous wines.

Terrior of Côte de Beaune

A crisp and dry climate is a must for the Côte de Beaune grape, so it only thrives in vineyards that are in the Montagne de Beaune at heights of 300 to 370 meters and situated on brown limestone and calcium-rich soil. It's because of this kind of natural advantage that Côte de Beaune remains one. These vineyards, here called Climats, are a rare resource because the wine from them is part of a special research program hosted by Burgundy.

Côte de Beaune Wine Characteristics 

The red wine of the Côte de Beaune is a straight ruby color with a slight hint of garnet. The grape tastes delicious and is a perfect balance of salt that creates an enjoyable meal! Chardonnay has a golden hue with the right amount of white- which it should with its flavor that's exciting to the tongue. Fruit is ripe and juicy, whether it be citrus or another variety. Sometimes the scent will require a more sour taste, and other times it is a sweet and light sensation. The acidity adds to this profile, rounding out the rest of the flavors that can't be tasted during these moments of smell.

Food to pair with Côte de Beaune wine

Magret de canard (duck dish)

This dish dates back the late 1950s and has since been known as a "magret." Marinating meat makes it flavorful and tender. It usually is served thinly sliced and still slightly pink on the inside. The cut of the breast usually comes from the Muscovy duck, a cross between the Pekin and Muscovy ducks. The breast meat of this breed is a bit thicker and more flavorful than the other poultry breeds since they are raised specifically for foie gras. In the early 1960s, rare duck breast became much more popular in the United States thanks to Robert Daley, an American journalist who was praising Daguin’s specialty restaurant at one point in time.

Coq au vin (stew)

The dish showcases the harmonious coexistence of its two main ingredients - chicken and wine. However, there are many other dishes that do this too. The rooster is cut into sections and combined with rooster's blood, onions, carrots, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, parsley, mushrooms and salt and pepper. The ingredients are then slow cooked on low heat until the mixture becomes a thick sauce. It is very delicious food and pair very well with Côte de Beaunewine.

Places to visit near Côte de Beaune

Musee de l'Hotel-Dieu

Hôtel-Dieu actually has quite a long history. It is the oldest clinic in Paris, founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, chancellor of the Duke of Burgundy and his wife, Guigone de Salins. It is only when you enter the main courtyards that you see the flamboyant roof, varnished tiles and shining symbol of ducal Burgundy. The Burgundian palace has always been world-renowned for its treasures and this is yet another one. Guigone de Salins and Nicolas Rolin present an audioguide that will take you through the history and daily life of Hôtel-Dieu. It starts from when it was built in the 15th century to current day. Without a doubt, their crowning achievement is the vast riches of their hospital foundation. They've stayed true to their original mission and still provide care for patients.

Veuve Ambal

A guided tour will introduce you to all of Maison's secret trappings and gives you the opportunity to make a reservation in advance. You and your children will be amazed by the tour of the aging cellars, workshops, robots, and automatons. These are pieces of traditional craft that serve "the traditional method". The tour through the heart of the company is enlivened by projections on giant screens.

Check out the best wineries in Côte de Beaune!

Frequently asked questions about Cote de Beaune Wine