Rully Wine Region Guide

Rully wine is produced in the communes of Rully and Chagny in the Côte Chalonnaise subregion of Burgundy. It is well known for its Pinot noir and Chardonnay-based red and white Rully wines. The Cote Chalonnaise appellations of Bouzeron and Mercurey are located to the west and south, respectively, of the AOC legal territory, which also includes the villages of Chagny and Rully. Rully town is located beneath the eastern slope of La Montagne de la Folie, sometimes known as the "Mountain of Madness," a low-lying limestone ridge. People in the area claim that the name is reminiscent of the enchanted fairy dance "La Folia," whose flashing lights can be seen from the towns below.

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Where is the Rully Wine Appellation?

 The Rully appellation is one of the wine sub-regions in the North Côte Chalonnaise, a sub-region of the Burgundy wine region in eastern France. The AOC Rully is located north of the coast, on a 3.5-square-kilometer vineyard, designed by the Middle and Upper Jurassic faults. At the height of 250 to 300 meters above sea level, the vineyards have a total area of around 350 hectares, of which roughly 100 hectares are in 20 Premier Cru areas.

History of Rully Wine Appellation

Since the 19th century, Rully has been a thriving hub for the manufacture of Cremant de Bourgogne wines. The grape barely represented 90 hectares in 1939, when the AOC Rully was recognized. Several well-known climates were categorized as first growth as early as 1943. However, only a small number of winemakers still hold the belief that Rully is capable of producing excellent wines, both red and white. The vineyard progressively regained a significant portion of the territory it had at the start of the 20th century throughout the 1950s and 1960s, reaching about 350 hectares today.

The Ideal Terroir of the Rully Wine Appellation

The best vineyards of Rully are located on the eastern slope of La Montagne de la Folie. These locations profit from soils made of light-reflective, freely draining limestone, as well as an easterly aspect that makes use of the finest morning sunlight. Away from the crest, the lower vineyards often have lighter soils with more sandstone and less limestone. Typically, these sites offer lighter wines that should be consumed within a few years. Nevertheless, they are deeper and profit from a good water store on marly levels. The vines are planted on slopes that are exposed to the south, east, and very occasionally, the west, where the vines are planted at a height of between 220 and 300 meters.

Grapes Varietals of Rully Wine Appellation

Pinot Noir is used to make red wines, whereas Chardonnay is only used to make white wines. Both types of wine are frequently fermented or aged in oak barrels. Chardonnay, the primary grape variety used in making white wines, and Pinot Gris, a supporting variety, are combined. 

The production of white wines is the most extensive, with 2.2 square kilometers devoted to Chardonnay, including 0.66 square kilometers of Premier Cru. The reds are less critical with 1.3 square kilometers of Pinot Noir (including 27 in Premier Cru). On average, 10,400 hl of white wine and 5,300 hl of red wine are produced each year in the Rully Wine Appellation. The Rully Wine Appellation includes many wineries that produce the best wines that reflect the characteristics of the surrounding terroirs.

Rully Wine Appellation and Food Pairing 

Beef Bourguignon

A rich and sophisticated stew from the Burgundy area of France is known as beef Bourguignon. In addition to savoury ingredients like onions, garlic, thyme, carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, and perhaps a few strips of dried orange peel to make the flavours deeper, the dish's star is a bold red Burgundy wine, which is used to soften and tenderise tough slices of Charolais beef.

Wild Boar in Burgundy Wine

Wild Boar in Burgundy is a traditional German dish consisting of wild boar cooked in burgundy wine. The dish is usually made with a combination of wild boar rump, onions, carrots, celery, thyme, lemon zest, peppercorns, juniper berries, wine vinegar, and cloves, red burgundy wine, cornstarch, and salt. Once finished, the meat is roasted in the oven until it's well browned on all sides. The sauce is thickened with cornstarch and is then poured over the meat before serving.

Interesting Spots to Visit in the Rully Wine Appellation

There are plenty of places to see and visit around Rully. Whether you love hiking or cycling, Rully is a region where hidden gems are waiting to be explored and visited.

Château de La Rochepot

The French department of Côte-d'Or in the Burgundy area is home to the castle La Rochepot, or Château de la Rochepot. It has been recognized as a Monument Historique and is situated on a limestone cliff north of La Rochepot (formerly La Roche-Nolay), about 15 kilometers southwest of Beaune. This is a reasonably interesting spot to visit during your trip around the Rully Wine Appellation.

Le Château de Rully

Since the 12th century, this castle has stood momentously on its rocky ledge and has provided a breathtaking view of the Châlons shoreline. The property's owner, a direct descendent of the Lord of Rully who built the castle more than 800 years ago, welcomes guests all year long.

Domaine Ninot

In the center of the Côte Chalonnaise, in Saône-et-Loire, Domaine Ninot cultivates, manufactures, and promotes wines from organic farming. There are several AOP Rully and Mercurey terroirs that may be purchased and tasted. The estate offers tours and tastings with the goal of educating visitors about the wine industry, the vine, and wine.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Rully Wine Appellation