Auxey-Duresses

Auxey-Duresses, pronounced “Aussey,” stands where an east–west valley branches off the Côte de Beaune and climbs toward the Hautes Côtes, behind Meursault and Monthélie. The vines cover the sides of the valley, between 260 and 360 meters. The Village appellation, created in 1937, covers only the commune's own territory, in red and white, with nine Premiers Crus and no Grand Cru. The village's name carries with it that of its best-known climat, Les Duresses.

The two slopes are quite different. The south-facing one, near the village, continues the vineyards of Monthélie and Volnay and holds the Premiers Crus, mostly reds from Pinot Noir; Les Duresses, facing east and southeast, extends into the commune of Monthélie as well. The soils are marly-calcareous, very stony on the Montagne du Bourdon. On the same side, farther up the valley around the hamlet of Melin, the vines face southeast and the climate is cooler. On the opposite side, facing north and close to Meursault, Chardonnay prevails. On the steepest slopes, some vines, planted at lower density, are trained on a lyre system.

Until the 1930s, the village's wine was usually sold as Volnay, Pommard, or Beaune. The red has aromas of small black fruits, with measured tannins that soon turn velvety; the white, lively in youth, recalls fresh almond and apple, with a touch of flint. Reds may also be labeled as Côte de Beaune-Villages. You'll find the available bottles below.