Tasting the Cote de Beaune

Continuing down through Burgundy's Cote d'Or into the southern portion, the Cote de Beaune. This area shares many similarities with its northern neighbor as far as climate, altitude and aspect but it has more soil variation promoting the production of red (57%) and more white (43%) wines. The red wines tend to be lighter than those produced in the Cote De Nuits while the white wines deliver concentrated flavor and are considered to be among the best in the world. There are 7 Grand Cru vineyards in the Cote de Beaune and only one produces Grand Cru red but there are numerous Premier Cru vineyards producing both. Although there are 17 principal communes in the Cote de Beaune, I am only focusing on 3 in this posting.

The commune of Volnay is home to 30 Premier Crus producing only red wines. Volnay reds are typically soft and aromatic.

2007 Volnay Vielles Vignes - Nicolas Potel $45
Appearance: Clear, pale garnet with a brickish rim.
Nose: Clean, medium intense developed aromas of leather, violets and smokey meat.
Palate: Dry, firmly structured with medium body/alcohol and medium+ acidity and tannins with a medium+ length finish.
Quality: Good+ Serve with roasted duck or goose.
Drink now with some aging potential.

2008 Volnay Premier Cru - Le Ronceret - Henri de Villamont $65
Appearance: Clear, pale garnet with a watery rim.
Nose: Clean, medium intense developed aromas of leather, red fruit and earth.
Palate: Dry, medium body, alcohol and tannins with medium+ acidity and a medium+ length finish.
Quality: Very good. Serve with bacon-wrapped filet.
Drink now, has some aging potential.

The commune of Meursault is considered to produce some of Burgundy's best white wines. It is home to 18 Premier Crus. 90% of its production is of white wine typically produced in a rich, creamy style.

2004 Meursault Charmes Premier Cru - Guy Bocard
Appearance: Clear, medium gold.
Nose: Clean, medium- intense aromas of oak with a hint of lemon.
Palate: Dry, medium body, alcohol and acidity with muted flavors of lemon butter and almond with a short finish.
Quality: Past its prime. Not recommended.

Continuing on down to Chassagne-Montrachet, home to 4 Grand Crus and 17 Premier Cru vineyards. The white wines of Chassagne are also considered to be among Burgundy's best.

2009 Chassagne-Montrachet Louis Latour
Appearance: Clear, pale lemon with a watery rim.
Nose: Clean, medium intense youthful aromas of lemons and lilacs.
Palate: Dry, medium body, alcohol and acidity with flavors of apple and citrus. Medium length.
Quality: Good+

2007 Chassagne-Montrachet Vide Bourse Premier Cru - Thomas Morey
Appearance: Clear, medium lemon with a watery rim.
Nose: Clean, medium intense youthful aromas of lemon, apple and butter.
Palate: Dry, medium+ body, alcohol, acidity and length with flavors of lemon butter and a slight nuttiness.
Quality: Very good
Both of these can be enjoyed now but may also have some aging potential.

related post:
Grand Cru Wines from the Cote de Nuits

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