Domaine Tollot-Beaut
Chorey-lès-Beaune is not a village that people are quick to mention, and Domaine Tollot-Beaut is one of the reasons why anyone knows of it at all. Although this domaine operates on the flatlands just north of Beaune, its vineyards extend far beyond the village itself, reaching the hills of Corton and stretching all the way to the Savigny-lès-Beaune region. Pinot Noir forms the heart of these vineyards. The style people associate with this winery is rich rather than austere, and even its simplest bottled wines offer flavors of red and black fruits that deliver a deep, pulpy mouthfeel. The vineyards span both the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits regions, which is unusual for a domaine so firmly identified with a single small village, Beaune-side.
From Chorey up to the Corton hill
This domaine is based in Chorey-lès-Beaune, and the vines in this commune are used to produce the region's red wines. This wine is an everyday bottled wine that best exemplifies the domaine's approach. With its flat terrain and easily cultivated soil, there is nothing particularly remarkable about it. This corresponds to the bottom tier of the pyramid.
One level above that, Domaine Tollot-Beaut's Champ Chevrey, located in Savigny-lès-Beaune, is owned as a monopole, meaning the entire vineyard belongs to a single owner, and no one else can bottle wine from these grapes. Monopoles are rare in Burgundy, as here a single climat is typically divided and managed by numerous growers.
Then there is Corton. Bressandes is one of the named climats located on that hill, placing this domaine among the ranks of growers cultivating the Grand Cru slopes of the Côte de Beaune. In addition, this domaine's vineyards extend into the Côte de Nuits area.
The grapes
Red Burgundy refers to Pinot Noir, and at Domaine Tollot-Beaut, the grape plays a role ranging from the local level up to Corton.
- Bourgogne Rouge is 100% pure Pinot Noir.
- The same applies to the Savigny and Corton reds.
- Although Chardonnay is present in this section of Côte de Beaune, the domaine's reputation is built on its red wines.
Attention is focused less on the variety itself and more on the differences between the Chorey plot and the Grand Cru slopes. Although they are made from the same grape variety, the wines are very different.
The wines
There are two wines at the very top of this lineup. Savigny Champ Chevrey is a monopole wine from Savigny-lès-Beaune, wholly owned by the domaine. Corton Bressandes is a Grand Cru produced on the hillside above Aloxe-Corton and is often the wine with the longest aging potential.
Below these are the regional red wines. In recent vintages, these have been released under the name Bourgogne Côte Dor rather than simply Bourgogne Rouge. The Côte d'Or name indicates that the grapes come from specific slopes rather than the entire Burgundy region. This wine is produced from the Chorey vineyard; it offers aromas of spicy red and black fruits and a juicy, flavorful palate, making it excellent even when enjoyed young.
In addition to this, Domaine Tollot-Beaut produces a wide range of village wines and Premier Cru wines from various communes across the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits. The three wines mentioned above are excellent choices to start with if you want to explore this brand's full range, from entry-level to top-tier wines.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Domaine Tollot-Beaut based?
In Chorey-lès-Beaune, a village on the flat land just north of Beaune in the Côte de Beaune.
What does monopole mean on the Savigny Champ Chevrey label?
It means Domaine Tollot-Beaut owns the whole vineyard. No other producer can make a wine from Champ Chevrey.
Is Corton Bressandes a grand cru?
Yes. Bressandes is one of the named climats on the hill of Corton, the Côte de Beaune's grand cru for red wine.
What is the domaine best known for?
Pinot Noir with flesh and generous fruit, from a spread of holdings running across the Côte de Beaune and into the Côte de Nuits.
