What I Learned:

Beaune, situated at the northern end of the Cote de Beaune, is a capital city. Not in any political sense, but it certainly reigns supreme as the capital city of Burgundy wines. Within the district of Beaune’s 410 hectares (slightly over a thousand acres) of vines there are 42 Premier Cru vineyards. The majority of wines bearing the Beaune appellation are Pinot Noir.

During late medieval times, especially under the powerful Dukes of Burgundy, its wine enjoyed a particularly great reputation in the rest of France and the Low Countries. Over the years, other villages in the Cote de Beaune region have come to enjoy greater reputations for their wines perhaps, but Beaune continues to attract wine-lovers from around the world.

In part this is due to the architecturally stunning Hospices de Beaune, a fifteenth century hospital/hospice that still retains the architecture, and some of the art, of its time, which makes for a fascinating visit. Over the centuries, it has been endowed with about 60 hectares (about 150 acres) of vineyards in and around Beaune and other villages.

More important for serious wine lovers though, is the famous Hospices de Beaune auction. Beginning in 1859, this charity wine auction has taken place on the third Sunday in November. Participants from around the world attend to bid or simply observe, virtually or in person. In 2015, the sale of 458 barrels of red wine, and 117 barrels of white wine, resulted in a record sale of over 11.3 million euros (about 13 million dollars).

 

What I Tasted:

Chardonnay –

2013 Chardonnay, Marconnets, Appellation Beaune Premier Cru Controlee, Domaine Gabriel Bouchard: A dry white wine with light gold color; a slight, green fruit nose, with wood, vanilla and smoke flavors; medium acidity, and a bit tart on the finish.

Pinot Noir –

2009 Pinot Noir, Les Beaux Fougets, Appellation Beaune Controlee, Domaine Gabriel Billard: A dry red wine with dark brick red color; slightly vegetal and fresh wood nose, otherwise neutral, flavors of slight pepper and oak and vanilla, medium-high tannins.

2008 Pinot Noir, Cent Vignes, Appellation Beaune Premier Cru Controlee, Domaine Gabriel Bouchard: A dry red wine with light garnet color; spice and smoke aromas, with red berry and oak flavors; mild tannins.

2005 Pinot Noir, Beaune Les Toussaints, Appellation Beaune Premier Cru Controlee, Michel Gay et Fils: A dry red wine with medium garnet color; floral and mineral nose, with cherry and spice notes; medium tannins.