Discover the Hidden Gem of Burgundy
The Côte Chalonnaise, nestled in the heart of Burgundy, France, offers wine enthusiasts a chance to explore lesser-known appellations and charming villages. This scenic region boasts rolling hills, picturesque vineyards, and authentic French countryside experiences.
Towns and Villages
Several quaint towns dot the Côte Chalonnaise landscape, each with its own unique character:
- Mercurey: The largest wine-producing commune, known for its robust red wines
- Rully: Famous for its white wines and 12th-century château
- Givry: A charming village with a rich winemaking history
- Montagny: Renowned for its crisp Chardonnays
Wine Producers
The Côte Chalonnaise is home to numerous family-run wineries and small producers. Some notable ones include:
- Domaine Faiveley in Mercurey: One of the largest landowners in Burgundy
- Domaine de la Folie in Chagny: Produces excellent Rully wines
- Domaine Theulot-Juillot in Mercurey: Known for their high-quality reds
- Domaine Jacqueson in Rully: Family-run estate with a wide range of wines
Many wineries offer tastings and tours, but it’s best to book in advance.
Accommodations
The region offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences:
- Château de Rully: A historic castle with guest rooms, offering a unique stay
- Hôtel Le Montrachet in Puligny-Montrachet: Luxury hotel with an excellent restaurant
- La Maison d’Olivier Leflaive in Puligny-Montrachet: Wine-themed hotel with tastings
- Gîtes and B&Bs: Numerous options available in villages throughout the region
Dining
The Côte Chalonnaise offers a blend of traditional Burgundian cuisine and modern gastronomy:
- Le Relais de Montrachet in Puligny-Montrachet: Michelin-starred restaurant
- Auberge du Pont de Brigueil in Rully: Charming local bistro with regional specialties
- La Table de Chapaize in Chapaize: Farm-to-table restaurant in a picturesque setting
- Le Vendangerot in Rully: Traditional Burgundian cuisine with an extensive wine list
Many restaurants feature local wines, offering a perfect opportunity to pair regional dishes with Côte Chalonnaise vintages.
Wine Shops & Bars
The Côte Chalonnaise offers several options for wine enthusiasts to explore local vintages:
- La Cave de Givry: A cooperative wine shop featuring a wide selection of regional wines
- Caveau Divin in Mercurey: Offers tastings and sells wines from various local producers
- Le Wine Bar in Chalon-sur-Saône: A cozy spot to sample Côte Chalonnaise wines by the glass
- Maison des Vins de la Côte Chalonnaise in Chalon-sur-Saône: Showcases wines from the entire region
Other Shops
While wine takes center stage, the region also boasts charming local shops:
- Fromagerie Hess in Chalon-sur-Saône: Artisanal cheese shop perfect for wine pairings
- Les Halles de Chalon: Indoor market with local produce, meats, and specialty foods
- La Boutique du Château de Rully: Offers local products and souvenirs
- Librairie La Mandragore in Chalon-sur-Saône: Independent bookstore with a section on wine and local history
Attractions
Beyond wine, the Côte Chalonnaise offers diverse attractions:
- Château de Rully: 12th-century fortress with guided tours and panoramic views
- Nicéphore Niépce Museum in Chalon-sur-Saône: Dedicated to the inventor of photography
- Voie Verte: A scenic cycling path connecting Chalon-sur-Saône to Cluny
- Abbaye de La Ferté: The oldest Cistercian abbey in Burgundy, offering guided visits
Events
The region hosts several wine-related events throughout the year:
- Paulée de la Côte Chalonnaise (March): A grand wine tasting event in Chalon-sur-Saône
- Mercurey Wine Festival (May): Celebrates the wines of Mercurey with tastings and local food
- Chalon dans la Rue (July): Street arts festival in Chalon-sur-Saône, perfect for combining with wine tasting
- Harvest Festivals (September-October): Various villages host celebrations during the grape harvest season
Appellations
The Côte Chalonnaise is home to several notable appellations:
- Mercurey: Known for robust red wines made primarily from Pinot Noir
- Rully: Produces both white (Chardonnay) and red (Pinot Noir) wines
- Givry: Renowned for its red wines, with some white production
- Montagny: Exclusively produces white wines from Chardonnay grapes
- Bouzeron: The only appellation in Burgundy dedicated to Aligoté wines
Each appellation offers unique terroir and wine styles, providing a diverse tasting experience for visitors.
Grape Varieties
The Côte Chalonnaise produces wines primarily from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. These classic Burgundian varieties thrive in the region’s limestone-rich soils.
Aligoté, a white grape variety, is also cultivated here, offering crisp, refreshing wines. Some producers experiment with Gamay for lighter red wines.
Main Wine Styles
The region is known for its red wines made from Pinot Noir, ranging from light and fruity to more structured styles. White wines from Chardonnay showcase minerality and freshness.
Crémant de Bourgogne, a sparkling wine, is produced in the traditional method. Some producers craft rosé wines from Pinot Noir grapes.
Food Specialties
Côte Chalonnaise’s culinary scene pairs perfectly with its wines. Boeuf Bourguignon and Coq au Vin are classic dishes that complement the region’s red wines.
Local cheeses like Époisses and Chaource pair well with white wines. Don’t miss the Jambon Persillé, a ham terrine with parsley, typical of Burgundy.
Drives & Walks
The Route des Grands Vins offers a scenic drive through vineyards and charming villages. Stop at viewpoints for panoramic vistas of the Saône Valley.
For hiking enthusiasts, the Voie Verte trail provides a car-free path through the countryside. Consider a walk through the Montagny vineyards for stunning views and wine tasting opportunities.
Itineraries
Weekend Getaway
- Day 1: Visit Mercurey wineries, lunch in Rully, explore Chalon-sur-Saône
- Day 2: Tour Givry vineyards, picnic in the vines, dinner in Montagny-lès-Buxy
Week-long Wine Adventure
- Days 1-2: Explore Mercurey and Rully appellations
- Days 3-4: Discover Givry and its surrounding villages
- Days 5-6: Immerse in Montagny wines and local culture
- Day 7: Relax in Chalon-sur-Saône, visit markets and museums
Getting There & Around
The nearest major airport is Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, about 150 km south of the Côte Chalonnaise. From there, rent a car for easy access to the wine region.
Public transportation is limited. Consider using the TER regional trains to reach Chalon-sur-Saône, then rent a car or book wine tours for vineyard visits.
Best Time to Visit
Visit during the harvest season (September to October) to experience the excitement of wine production. Spring (April to June) offers pleasant weather and blooming vineyards.
Avoid August, when many businesses close for holidays. Winter can be cold but offers a peaceful atmosphere and potential for truffle hunting.
Sustainability Efforts
Many Côte Chalonnaise wineries are adopting organic and biodynamic practices. Look for certifications like AB (Agriculture Biologique) on wine labels.
Support local eco-friendly initiatives by choosing accommodations with green certifications and participating in low-impact activities like cycling tours.
Language Tips
Basic French phrases are appreciated. Learn wine-related terms like “dégustation” (tasting) and “millésime” (vintage) to enhance your experience.
Download a translation app for on-the-go assistance. Many wineries offer English-speaking tours, but booking in advance is recommended.
Further Resources
- Bourgogne Wines Official Website: Comprehensive information on Burgundy wines
- Beaune Tourism: Regional tourist information and event listings
- ViaMichelin: Detailed road maps and travel itineraries
Consider purchasing a detailed wine guide like “The Wines of Burgundy” by Clive Coates for in-depth appellation information.
