Vineyards in Saône-&-Loire

Stretching from northern to southern Saône-&-Loire, the vineyards of the Côte Chalonnaise, Couchois, Maranges/Côtes de Beaune, Mâconnais and Beaujolais form Burgundy's most extensive growing region, accounting for a total of some 30 AOC appellations of verified origin.

Southern Burgundy's vineyard is extremely accommodating, a land of sharing and conviviality that extends far and wide, from the northern reaches of the department, where Maranges reigns (producing Maranges and Côtes de Beaune appellations, powerful and well-built reds, balanced and fragrant whites), southward to where the Beaujolais offers its first parcels in traversing the Mâconnais hills.

To learn more: Discover the Maranges caves

Did you know?

Since 2015, the "Climats" (in reference to a parcel of vines) of Maranges have been listed in Unesco's World Heritage Register under the Burgundy vineyard designation.

 

Seven such parcels, awarded the Premier Cru classification, yield highly-prized wines across the villages of Cheilly-les-Maranges, Dezize-les-Maranges and Sampigny-les-Maranges. The Maranges Premier Cru label is in the league of the finest Burgundies while remaining reasonably priced.

Couchois 

Located south of the Maranges and Hautes-Côtes de Beaune growing areas, the Couchois produces robust and richly-coloured wines, under the appellation Bourgogne Côtes du Couchois. Output is divided among the villages of St-Sernin-du-Plain, Dracy-les-Couches, St-Maurice-les-Couches, St-Jean-de-Trézy and Couches.

To learn more: discover the Couchois caves

Côte Chalonnaise 

The Côte Chalonnaise yields some highly reputed AOC appellation wines, featuring subtle tones and distinctive traits. The elegance and suppleness of the Côte Chalonnaise brand of Burgundy are displayed by the typicity of Mercurey, discretion of Givry, stateliness of Rully, layering of Montagny and tenderness of Bouzeron (whose Aligoté white varietal is tops in the entire region). Côte Chalonnaise is also the privileged domain of Crémant de Bourgogne, Burgundy's contribution to refined bubbly.

To learn more: Discover the Côte Chalonnaise caves

Mâconnais 

Along its herbal landscape and through the natural aromas emanating here, the Mâconnais infuses its wines with a temperament reminiscent of latitudes further south. The Mâcon red appellation offers depth, plenty of fruit, combined with a lively, fleshy and full-bodied experience. Mâcon-Villages shimmers with a golden hue, releasing floral and fruity fragrances. Mâconnais' vinicultural nobility has many lines: rich savours of Pouilly-Fuissé; balanced fresh palate of Pouilly-Loché; honey, acacia, peony tones of Pouilly-Vinzelles, maturation of Saint-Véran, floral almond fragrances characterising Viré-Clessé.

Did you know?

In May, experience "Chardonnay Day"

in the village of Chardonnay!

This event has staying power. A web event held simultaneously in Burgundy and the United States (it was created in California a few years ago) since it is scheduled on the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend. A perfect occasion to reaffirm affection on social media for our renowned varietal, whose roots lie in a Mâconnais village. The celebration is especially festive on the village square and throughout a growing region that hails its name, its birthplace and sole production site of "Chardonnay from Chardonnay"!

To learn more: www.bourgogne-wines.com

The Beaujolais wines

It is not widely known that four of Beaujolais' ten renowned village appellations flourish in the southern reaches of Saône-&-Loire, namely: Moulin-à-vent, Chénas, Saint-Amour, and Juliénas. The area also boasts some delicious Gamay-based Beaujolais Villages and Beaujolais regional appellations.

Info + : The Moulin à vent esplanade and belvedere (symbol of one of the Beaujolais' most prestigious vintages) offer a startling panorama. Not to be missed. https://www.beaujolais.com/en

Fossil wine

Did you know? A century ago, vines covered Brionnais country. Today, this hilly limestone and rocky territory still enjoys a sunny exposure and microclimate that favour the maturation of grapes. This area has given rise to Fossil wine, an authentic local wine produced in the village of Mailly by estate owner and winemaker Jean-Claude Berthillot. A wine sporting the labels "Welcome to the Farm" and "AB" (for being organically farmed).

Contact: Phone +33 (0)3 85 84 01 23 and (0)7 82 98 38 29 / email: [email protected]