Saint-Aubin
Burgundy wines for true explorers, they say. And that's true. The Saint-Aubin appellation lies exactly between the two famous Burgundy communes of Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet. The mineral and complex wines produced here are mostly known only to connoisseurs.
The best wines from Saint-Aubin
Burgundy wines for true explorers, they say. And that's true. The Saint-Aubin appellation lies exactly between the two famous Burgundy communes of Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet. The mineral and complex wines produced here are mostly known only to connoisseurs.
Wine domains like Joseph Colin, Hubert Lamy and Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey offer some beautiful very well price-quality wines, which are more and more sought after.
Where exactly is the Saint-Aubin appellation?
Nestled in a side valley with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, Saint-Aubin and its 160 hectares of vineyards are located in the southern part of the Côte de Beaune. Saint-Aubin is also directly adjacent to two of the most famous white wine communes in the world: Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet. These two places are synonymous with some of the greatest and most expensive white wines in the world, especially the legendary Grand Crus such as Le Montrachet, Bâtard-Montrachet and Chevalier-Montrachet. But this is precisely the crux of the matter for Saint-Aubin, because for a long, long time, the appellation was overshadowed by its two neighbouring communes. And yet the commune has had its own appellation status since 1937!
There are two main reasons why Saint-Aubin is so unknown. Firstly, the best vineyards of Chassagne and Puligny are located on the main chain of the Côte d'Or, which includes the Côte de Beaune, while Saint-Aubin is tucked away in a side valley. Secondly, for a long time, the appellation lacked the famous names and financial clout to shine internationally. The fact that there are no Grand Cru vineyards in Saint-Aubin also contributed to the wines being considered an insider tip for a long time.
It is only in recent decades, with the growing interest in authentic, terroir-driven and reasonably priced Burgundy wines, that Saint-Aubin has increasingly come into the spotlight. Today, the appellation is considered one of the most exciting sources of characterful white wines offering excellent value for money.
Other Appellations
Which grapes are grown in Saint-Aubin?
As is customary in Burgundy, two grape varieties dominate: Chardonnay for white wines and Pinot Noir for red wines. However, white wines clearly dominate. Chardonnay accounts for around 75% of production, with Pinot Noir accounting for only around 25%.
In concrete figures, this means that of the approximately 1.1 million bottles produced annually, over 800,000 are white wine and just over 300,000 are red wine. However, it should be noted that Chardonnay is not the only grape variety permitted for white wines; Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris are also permitted. However, these two grapes are only grown on a tiny area, so they play virtually no role in sales statistics.
Climate and soils in Saint-Aubin
Saint-Aubin benefits from a temperate continental climate with sufficient rainfall, cool nights and warm days. The vineyards are located at altitudes of 300 to 400 metres above sea level. This makes them the highest vineyards in the Côte de Beaune. The vineyards have a wide variety of exposures: while some sites face east and southeast and benefit from the morning sun, there are also plots with a southern or southwestern exposure that are particularly blessed by the afternoon sun. All of this has an impact on the style of the wines.
The same applies to the soils, which consist of a mixture of limestone, marl, clay, sandstone, granite and slate. The high lime content is particularly distinctive, giving the wines their typical minerality and precision. The higher plots often have thin, stony soils with a lot of lime and little humus, while the lower-lying sites have more clay and loam. Some sites even contain volcanic ash, which is unusual for Burgundy and contributes to a special mineral note. The diversity of the soils is reflected in the wide range of wine styles produced in Saint-Aubin. Let's take a closer look at these now.
What does a wine from Saint-Aubin taste like?
Even though the wines all shine with their own unique character, certain similarities can be identified. A Chardonnay from Saint-Aubin, for example, is usually fermented and aged in oak barrels and delights with floral notes and aromas of lemon, green apple, pear and almonds. The style ranges from fresh, floral and mineral to complex, creamy and nutty, depending on the location, vintage and vinification method.
Incidentally, the best white wines come from Premier Cru sites such as En Remilly, Les Murgers des Dents de Chien and La Chatenière. They are characterised by precise, vibrant acidity, fine minerality and remarkable length on the palate. Many winemakers here favour moderate use of oak so as not to mask the freshness and terroir expression.
Pinot Noir wines from Saint-Aubin were very angular and even rustic for a long time. However, a finer and more elegant style has now prevailed, which shines with fruity hints of red fruits as well as spicy notes of pepper and cloves. These are complemented by earthy and slightly mineral nuances, a silky tannin structure and lively acidity.
What food goes well with wines from Saint-Aubin?
It is precisely this stylistic diversity that makes Saint-Aubin wines fantastic accompaniments to food. For example, fish dishes in all variations go well with the fresh and mineral white wines. Whether grilled or steamed fish, lobster, langoustines or scallops, a Chardonnay from Saint-Aubin is a real treat. The same goes for all kinds of poultry, especially when served with a creamy sauce. We also recommend risotto with asparagus or Vietnamese summer rolls with white wines.
Pheasant, quail or partridge go very well with red wines from Saint-Aubin. Or even the classic coq au vin. Do you prefer something a little heartier? Then try roast pork or ribs with a Saint-Aubin Pinot Noir. A lentil stew also goes very well with these wines.