Auxey-Duresses French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Auxey-Duresses is a charming Côte de Beaune village producing elegant red and white Burgundies that offer excellent value next to its famous neighbor Meursault.
More info about Auxey-Duresses
Geographic position
Eastern France, in the Côte-d'Or department, tucked in a side valley that climbs west from the Côte de Beaune towards the Hautes-Côtes, between Meursault and Saint-Romain.
Origin & history
The village has made wine since Gallo-Roman times, and its vineyards were developed by medieval monasteries. For centuries its wines were often sold under the Côte de Beaune-Villages name; the Auxey-Duresses AOC was created in 1937 and includes several Premiers Crus such as Les Duresses and Climat du Val.
Wines & grape varieties
About two-thirds red from Pinot Noir, with cherry, raspberry and earthy notes and fine tannins; whites from Chardonnay show citrus, white flowers, hazelnut and bright minerality.
Climate & soil
Semi-continental climate, slightly cooler than the main Côte because of the valley's altitude. Limestone and marl, with red clay on the reds' slopes and whiter, chalkier soils for Chardonnay.
Wine region: Burgundy
Grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir