Auxey-Duresses PDO
Auxey-Duresses, an appellation in the heart of the Côte de Beaune
In the heart of the Côte de Beaune, along the route des Grands Crus, the Auxey-Duresses appellation is located between Meursault and Monthelie. A few kilometres south-west of Beaune, this Burgundy AOC produces red and white wines from the two emblematic grape varieties of the region: pinot noir and chardonnay. Although the commune does not produce wines classified as Grands Crus, it does have several Climats classified as Premier Cru in both red and white. An opportunity to discover great Burgundy wines.
General presentation of auxey-duresses
The wines of the auxey-duresses appellation are produced on a part of the commune which gives it its name. A former dependency of the Abbey of Cluny, this village in the Côte d'Or has shaped its history to the rhythm of the vine. It occupies nearly 130 hectares. Some 100 hectares are devoted to Pinot Noir; a third is classified as Premier Cru. Chardonnay occupies about forty hectares, of which only two are classified as Premier Cru.
Nine Climats give birth to red and white wines of the Village Premier Cru appellation: Bas des Duresses, Climat du Val, Clos du Val, La Chapelle, Les Bréterins, Les Duresses, Les Ecusseaux, Les Grands Champs, Reugne. These exceptional plots are mainly located in the extension of Monthelie.
Characteristics of Auxey-Duresses
A red Auxey-Duresses AOC is distinguished by its beautiful ruby red colour. The aromatic bouquet is clearly composed of small black fruits, such as blueberries, blackcurrants and blackberries, and small red fruits, such as redcurrants, raspberries and cherries. Floral scents may emerge from this fruity combination, including peony fragrances. With age, as the tannins become more rounded and velvety in texture, the aromatic palette becomes more complex. It evolves towards the undergrowth, evoking fern and mushrooms. One also finds animal, leather, spice and candied notes when the wine is mature.
The white Auxey-Duresses AOC has a pale colour evoking the colour of straw. Its aromatic palette is made up of fresh almond, hawthorn, citrus fruit and reinette apple. There are also biscuity notes and a certain minerality.
The red wines of the Auxey-Duresses appellation have a good ageing potential: 5-10 years on average, even more for the best vintages. As for the whites, they can be aged for 3 to 5 years in the cellar.
How to taste an Auxey-Duresses
With its velvety texture, a red Auxey-Duresses is ideal with tender meats such as veal or rabbit. This red wine also goes well with poultry dishes and cold meats such as cured ham. Grilled fish is also recommended. With cheese, serve a red wine from Auxey-Duresses with brillat-savarin, cîteaux, saint-nectaire or brie. Serve it preferably at a temperature of 15-16°.
Simple and gourmet, an Auxey-Duresses AOC white wine is ideal with spicy cooked fish and seafood. Ratatouilles, snail puffs, frog legs and other terrines are all dishes that go very well with an Auxey-Duresses white. Fish in sauce such as pike-perch or pike also find their place alongside it. This white wine also goes well with certain goat's cheeses, Livarot, Epoisses, Gruyère, blue cheese and blue cheese. Serve this white wine at a temperature of 12-14°.
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