Côte Chalonnaise: In search of its hidden treasures

There Burgundy is world-renowned for its exceptional wines. However, the region harbors a hidden treasure: the Côte ChalonnaiseLocated south of the Côte d'Or, this wine region is distinguished by the diversity of its terroirs. It gives rise to wines with unique profiles, ranging from fresh whites and minerals to elegant and fruity redsThe Côte Chalonnaise offers high-quality wines, often more affordable than those of its neighbour, the Côte d'Or.

Let's discover together its history, its terroir, its appellations and some magnificent wine estates that are established there.

The history of the Côte Chalonnaise

The Côte Chalonnaise extends for about forty kilometers, stretching between Chagny and Saint-Gengoux-le-National, south of the Côte de Beaune. 

It takes its name from the town of Chalon-sur-Saône, although the latter no longer engages in any wine production. The Côte Chalonnaise marks the transition between the Côte d'Or, renowned for its prestigious Grands Crus, and the Mâconnais, known for its fine white wines.

The region comprises several renowned appellations, each with its own distinct identity. The five main appellations are Rully, Mercurey, Givry, Montagny And BouzeronAlthough the Côte Chalonnaise vineyards do not have any Grand Cru vineyards, four of its appellations (with the exception of Bouzeron) offer a multitude of Premier Crustotaling nearly 140 climates The history of viticulture in the Côte Chalonnaise dates back to Roman times. However, it was only in the Middle Ages that it truly flourished, thanks to the Cistercian monks who developed the vineyards. Today, the Côte Chalonnaise continues to symbolize the elegance and diversity of Burgundy wines.

A unique terroir

The Chalonnais vineyards reach altitudes between 250 and 370 meters. They are situated on slopes facing east and southeast. This exposure thus offers a morning sunshine and one wind protection coming from the west. The climat The region is oceanic and semi-continental. This results in... particularly hot and stormy summersfollowed byrather dry autumns. 

Due to its southern location, the vegetative cycle is accelerated, leading to a grapes ripen approximately 8 days earlier compared to that of the Côte de Beaune.

The subsoil presents a fascinating geological history, with marine sediments deposited 50 million years ago. It contains Triassic clayey sandstones with Jurassic limestones and marls.

Wine appellations to discover in the Côte Chalonnaise

Of the 5 appellations of the Côte Chalonnaise, only 3 maintain the traditional balance of Burgundian grape varieties, namely the Pinot Noir and the chardonnay : Mercurey, Givry And RullyAs for the other two, Montagny And Bouzeronthey exclusively produce white wines.

Rully

Known for its elegant white wines and its fruity red winesThis appellation offers a diversity that appeals to lovers of Burgundy wines.

Mercurey

This is the largest appellation in the Côte Chalonnaise; Mercurey produces rich red wines and white wines full of freshness and finesse.

Givry

Prized for its seductive red wines, Givry offers expressions of Pinot Noir which certainly make an impact. Rather tannic In their youth, these wines tend to soften after a few years of aging.

Montagny

Noted for its white wines products made from chardonnayMontagny offers Fresh, mineral and vibrant wines.

Bouzeron

Bouzeron is the only regional appellation; it produces exclusively... wines made from AligotéThis very old grape variety allows the production of wines of a great freshness, of a beautiful vibrancy with a mineral character.

Character of the wines

THE red wines products from the Côte Chalonnaise are made exclusively from Pinot NoirThey reveal a cherry-red color with ruby highlights. The nose generally expresses itself on... Notes of strawberry, blackcurrant, licorice and cherry, enhanced with hints of raspberry, pomegranate, toast, or pepper. Floral aromas such as peony or violet are also present. On the palate, the The texture is luscious.marked by a explosion of fruit followed by fine tannins and crunchy textures that provide a lovely consistency. The finish, both fresh and saline, can be enhanced by aromas of licorice, menthol and pepper.

THE white wines products from the Côte Chalonnaise are made from Chardonnay and AligotéThese grape varieties lend a particular finesse to the wines. They reveal a lovely yellow-green color with silvery-yellow highlights. The nose evokes... floral notes of hawthorn, licorice, lemon and fresh grapeAll of this is combined with richer notes of honeysuckle, pear, brioche, iodine, marzipan, nuts, peach, and pineapple. The palate is generally fruity and fleshy marked by a fresh finish saline and slender with aromas of exotic fruits.

Our favorite estates in the Côte Chalonnaise

Rully

DOMAINE ERIC DE SUREMAIN

Suremain's family is settled in Monthélie in the heart of the Côte d'Or since 1903. The 10.5-hectare vineyard, spread between Monthélie Village, Monthélie Premier Cru And Rully Premier Cru, is vinified in accordance with traditions and applies the principles of the biodynamics.

DOMAINE ANTOINE OLIVIER

THE Domaine Antoine Olivier extends over Santenay, Savigny-lès-Beaune, Pommard, and more recently RullyGuided by respect for the environment, the domaine today offers remarkable wines across all its appellations, revealing the splendor of the Burgundy terroir.

Mercurey

CHÂTEAU DE CHAMIREY

Nestled in Mercurey, the Château de Chamirey is a domaine prestigious 37 hectares, of which more than half is classified as Premier CruThe wines perfectly express the rich diversity of the Mercurey appellation!

DOMAINE THEULOT JUILLOT

At the heart of the Mercurey appellation, the domaine Theulot-Juillot family, with its 12 hectares, is among the leading producers in the Côte Chalonnaise region. Nathalie and Jean-Claude Theulot develop village wines as well as five Premier Crus.

Givry

MICHEL SARRAZIN AND SON

Founded in 1964, THE domaine Michel Sarrazin & Fils is heir to a tradition dating back to the 17th century. Famous for the diversity of its terroirs, the domaine favors a soil-friendly approach to obtain pure wines and which have stood the test of time without difficulty.

DOMAINE DELIANCE

A true rising star of the Côte Chalonnaise, the Domaine Deliance is run by the third generation of winemakers. The dazzling finesse and the great freshness We were captivated by his Givry wines from the very first sip.

Bouzeron

DOMAINE OF VILLAINE

Cultivated since the Middle Ages and formerly run by the monks of Cluny Abbey, the Domaine of Villaine is founded by Aubert de Villaine and his wife in Bouzeron. He quickly became a essential reference Among the white wines of Burgundy, the Côte Chalonnaise is a true viticultural gem, offering wines that deserve a place of honor in the cellars of every Burgundy wine enthusiast. Prices remain reasonable, making it possible to enjoy Burgundy wines at a more affordable price.

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