In the far north of Burgundy lies the city of Auxerre. In the surrounding environs are seven communes which produce wines under the Cote d’Auxerre title. All three colors of red, white and rosé wines are produced here, with around 240 hectares of Chardonnay vines, and roughly half that of Pinot Noir vines. This region is some 80 miles from the ‘capital’ of Burgundy, the city of Beaune, and is nearest to the region of Chablis. The appellation covers the following communes: Augy, Saint-Bris, Auxerre, Vaux, Champs-sur-Yonne, Quenne and Vincelottes. Here the soils are rich in limestone, and the white wines in particular have the continental climate to thank for their steely, fresh personality. The wines here are of ancient lineage, thanks in part to their proximity to France’s capital Paris, and also the ancient abbey of Saint-Germain. The vineyards here lie either side of the river Yonne, and have their own distinct personalities, which are well worth seeking out.
Cote d’Auxerre