AOC Bourgogne Côte d'Or

History of the AOC Bourgogne Côte d’Or Appellation

The Bourgogne Côte d’Or, located in the heart of the Burgundy wine region, has a viticultural history dating back to Roman times. This geographic designation, a complement to the AOC Bourgogne, is known for offering wines with a remarkable quality-to-price ratio, particularly appreciated by lovers of Burgundy wines.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Bourgogne Côte d’Or Appellation

Climate: The Côte d’Or benefits from a continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters, ideal conditions for growing vines. Annual climate variations add to the diversity of vintages, giving each year a unique signature.

Soils: The soils of the Côte d’Or are highly varied, ranging from limestone to marl and clay. This diversity of terroir contributes to the richness and complexity of the wines produced in this region, with each soil type imparting specific characteristics to the grapes grown.

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay: The Emblematic Grapes of the AOC Bourgogne Côte d’Or

The wines of the AOC Bourgogne Côte d’Or are primarily made from two emblematic grape varieties:

• Pinot Noir: Used exclusively for red wines, this grape produces elegant and complex wines with distinctive aromas and a fine tannic structure.
• Chardonnay: The quintessential white grape of Burgundy, used to produce fresh and fine white wines, renowned for their aromatic richness and balance.

Style of AOC Bourgogne Côte d’Or Wines

Red Wine:

• Appearance: Light ruby to deep garnet red.
• Nose: Aromas of red fruits (strawberry, cherry), floral and spicy notes (pepper).
• Palate: Well-structured with elegant tannins, offering a harmonious tasting experience.

White Wine:

• Appearance: Bright golden.
• Nose: Aromas of citrus, white flowers, sometimes dried fruits (almond, hazelnut) or vanilla.
• Palate: Rich and well-balanced, with a long and mineral finish, reflecting the quality of the limestone soils.

The Best Food and Wine Pairings with an AOC Bourgogne Côte d’Or Wine

To enhance a bottle of red or white wine from a domaine or château in the AOC Bourgogne Côte d’Or, here are some pairing suggestions:

Red Wine:

• Red Meat: Flank steak, beef bourguignon.
• Mushroom Dishes: Mushroom fricassée.

White Wine:

• Seafood: Seafood platter.
• Grilled Fish: Grilled sea bass.
• Poultry: Chicken with parmesan.