Burgundy 103: Côte de Beaune

Our journey through Burgundy culminated in a deep dive into the illustrious Côte de Beaune, the southern half of the renowned Côte d'Or. Known for producing some of the finest white wines in the world, Côte de Beaune also boasts exceptional reds, making it a fitting finale to our exploration of this complex and captivating region.

Côte de Beaune is a tapestry of diverse terroirs, each contributing to the unique character of its wines. From the mineral-rich whites of Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet to the elegant reds of Pommard and Aloxe-Corton, this region offers a rich palette of flavours and styles. Understanding Côte de Beaune's wines means appreciating the subtle interplay of soil, climate, and human artistry that defines them.

At this tasting, Maksym was once again our guide, shedding light on the history, viticulture, and distinctive features of each wine we sampled. His insights helped us unravel the nuances of Côte de Beaune, from the famed Premier Crus to the hidden gems of lesser-known vineyards.

We embarked on this tasting journey with a selection that included the crisp and complex whites from Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet, the rich and rounded whites of Meursault and Saint-Aubin, and the powerful reds from Pommard and Aloxe-Corton. Each wine was a testament to the region's storied heritage and winemaking prowess.

In conclusion, heartfelt thanks go to Maksym for his expertise and enthusiasm, to the team at 101 Bar for their continuous support, to Goodwine for hosting us in their splendid venue, and to all participants for making these tastings a memorable journey through the heart of Burgundy.

P.S. If you're intrigued by our wine tastings and wish to participate in the future, follow our Telegram channel or reach out to me directly!

Domaine Antonin Guyon Aloxe Corton 1er Cru Les Vercots 2018

Antonin Guyon is a renowned producer in Burgundy, known for crafting wines that express the unique terroir of their vineyards. The Aloxe-Corton 1er Cru Les Vercots 2018 is a red wine made from Pinot Noir, sourced from the Premier Cru vineyard Les Vercots in the Aloxe-Corton appellation. This vineyard is located on the lower slopes of Corton hill, benefiting from well-drained limestone and marl soils. The 2018 vintage was characterized by warm weather, resulting in ripe, concentrated fruit with balanced acidity. This wine typically displays flavours of red and dark berries, earth, and spice, with a structured tannic profile suitable for ageing.

Domaine Michel Gaunoux Pommard Grands Epenots 2018

Domaine Michel Gaunoux is a traditionalist producer known for their long-lived, classic Burgundies. The Pommard Grands Epenots 2018 comes from one of the most prestigious Premier Cru vineyards in Pommard, known for its deep, iron-rich clay soils that contribute to the wine's robust structure. The 2018 vintage in Pommard produced wines with ample ripeness and concentration. Expect this wine to showcase dark cherry and plum fruit, earthy undertones, and firm tannins, making it a wine that will benefit from several years of cellaring to soften and develop further complexity.

Domaine de Montille Meursault 1er Cru Les Porusots 2020

Domaine de Montille is a respected name in Burgundy, renowned for their elegant and terroir-driven wines. The Meursault 1er Cru "Les Poruzots" 2020 is a white wine made from Chardonnay, sourced from the Premier Cru vineyard Les Poruzots in Meursault. This vineyard features stony, calcareous soils that impart minerality to the wine. The 2020 vintage was marked by warm conditions, leading to wines with ripe fruit and balanced acidity. This Meursault typically exhibits flavours of ripe apple, pear, and citrus, with notes of hazelnut and a pronounced mineral character, supported by a rich and creamy texture.

Louis Jadot Duc de Magenta Puligny-Montrachet Clos de la Garenne 1er Cru 2020

Domaine Duc de Magenta, managed by Louis Jadot, produces wines from some of Burgundy's most esteemed vineyards. The Puligny-Montrachet Clos de la Garenne 2020 is a Premier Cru white wine from a walled vineyard (clos) in Puligny-Montrachet. The vineyard's limestone-rich soils contribute to the wine's finesse and minerality. The 2020 vintage yielded wines with excellent ripeness and vibrant acidity. This wine is known for its precision and elegance, with flavours of citrus, green apple, white flowers, and a pronounced mineral backbone, along with a subtle touch of oak from barrel ageing.

Louis Jadot Duc de Magenta Chassagne Montrachet Morgeot Monopole Clos de la Chapelle 1er Cru 2020

Another notable wine from Domaine Duc de Magenta and Louis Jadot, the Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot Clos de la Chapelle 2020 is a Premier Cru white wine from the Morgeot vineyard in Chassagne-Montrachet. The vineyard's clay-limestone soils provide structure and richness to the wine. The 2020 vintage produced wines with concentrated fruit and balanced acidity. This Chassagne-Montrachet typically features flavours of ripe peach, apricot, and citrus, complemented by notes of almond and a hint of smokiness, with a full-bodied, textured mouthfeel.

Hubert Lamy Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Derrière chez Edouard 2020

Hubert Lamy is a well-regarded producer in the Saint-Aubin appellation, known for crafting wines that reflect the unique terroir of their vineyards. The Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Derrière chez Edouard 2020 is a white wine made from Chardonnay, sourced from a Premier Cru vineyard situated on the slope behind (derrière) the village. The vineyard's calcareous soils contribute to the wine's minerality and freshness. The 2020 vintage resulted in wines with ripe fruit and lively acidity. This Saint-Aubin typically showcases flavours of green apple, citrus, and white flowers, with a chalky mineral note and a crisp, refreshing finish.

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