Cote de Beaune Wines

About the Côte de Beaune

In Burgundy, terroir is everything, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the Côte de Beaune. Every vineyard, no matter how small, has its own microclimate and soil composition. This explains why wines from neighboring villages can taste so distinct even when made from the same grape variety. Winegrowing here dates back to Roman times, but it was the Cistercian monks of the 12th century who shaped and perfected the vineyards, laying the groundwork for the Burgundy classification system that still defines the region today. By the Renaissance, the Dukes of Burgundy were already enjoying wines from Beaune. In the 19th and 20th centuries, these wines achieved international acclaim for their elegance and aging potential. Today, they rank among the most prestigious wines in the world.

Geography and Climate of the Côte de Beaune

Stretching roughly 25 km from Ladoix-Serrigny to Santenay, the Côte de Beaune is home to many legendary villages, including: Beaune: the historic wine capital of Burgundy. Pommard: structured and powerful Pinot Noir. Volnay: delicate, silky, and feminine reds. Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet: world-renowned for luxurious white Burgundy wines. The semi-continental climate features cool winters and warm summers, allowing grapes to ripen slowly, producing white wines with crisp acidity and reds with fine, silky tannins.

Classification and appellations of the Côte de Beaune

At the base level are wines labeled Bourgogne Côte d’Or or Bourgogne Blanc/Rouge. Above these are the village appellations such as Beaune, Volnay, and Meursault, each showcasing its own character. Within each village, special vineyards are classified as Premier Cru or Grand Cru. Premier Cru wines offer precision, structure, and outstanding value. Grand Cru wines — including Montrachet, Corton, and Corton-Charlemagne — are among the finest and most collectible wines in the world. Côte de Beaune wines are defined by their elegance, aromatic complexity, and balance. Red wines (Pinot Noir): aromas of ripe cherry, raspberry, and redcurrant, with earthy, spicy, and sometimes truffle or leather notes as they age. White wines (Chardonnay): notes of butter, hazelnut, white flowers, and citrus, supported by vibrant acidity and a silky texture. Young Côte de Beaune wines display fresh fruit and minerality, while aged Premier and Grand Crus reveal deeper flavors of honey, brioche, roasted almonds, and forest floor. Top examples can age gracefully for 10–20 years or more, gaining depth and complexity over time.

Winemaking and style

Winemakers in the Côte de Beaune uphold centuries of tradition focused on expressing terroir: Red wines often undergo a cold maceration to enhance color and aroma, followed by fermentation in open wooden vats and aging in French oak (20–50% new). White wines are usually fermented in oak barrels with regular bâtonnage (stirring of the lees) to build richness and texture. The result: wines that capture the soul of Burgundy — elegant, nuanced, and authentic.

Renowned Côte de Beaune Producers

At Christian Winecellars, we offer a curated selection of Côte de Beaune wines from some of the most iconic estates in Burgundy:

• Coche-Dury
• Domaine Roulot
• Comtes Lafon
• Domaine Leflaive

Explore these legendary producers or buy Côte de Beaune wine online directly from Christian Winecellars. Each bottle is stored in perfect conditions and personally sourced to ensure authenticity and quality.

Frequently Asked Questions About Côte de Beaune Wines

What’s the difference between Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits?
Côte de Beaune is known for both red and white wines with elegance and finesse, while Côte de Nuits specializes in powerful, structured Pinot Noir.

Which grape varieties are used?
Pinot Noir for red wines and Chardonnay for white — both perfectly expressing their Burgundy terroir.

What are the best villages for white wine?
Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, and Chassagne-Montrachet are world-famous for exceptional white Burgundy.

How long can Côte de Beaune wines age?
Depending on the classification: 5–20 years, with Grand Crus aging beautifully for decades.

Are Côte de Beaune wines expensive?
Entry-level wines are affordable, while Premier and Grand Crus command higher prices due to limited production and exceptional quality.

What is the ideal serving temperature?
White wines: 10–12°C (50–54°F). Red wines: 16–18°C (61–64°F).

Buy Côte de Beaune wine online

Ready to explore the elegance of Côte de Beaune Burgundy wines? At Christian Winecellars, you’ll find an exceptional range of Côte de Beaune Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, personally sourced from the finest producers. Each wine is stored under ideal conditions and available for convenient online ordering — simple, secure, and delivered to your door.

Looking to sell Cote de Beaune wines?

Do you want to sell your wine? Selling your wine collection must be done with care. Whether you wish to part with a few bottles or your entire collection, you have come to the right place.