Saint-Aubin
Saint-Aubin is a highly regarded appellation of the Côte de Beaune, situated in a side valley immediately behind the great white-wine villages of Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet. Both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are produced, although its reputation today rests primarily on white wines. Once overshadowed by its famous neighbours, Saint-Aubin is now firmly established as an important source of serious white Bourgogne.
The vineyards rise from around 240 to over 400 metres, with varied exposures across the valley. Limestone and marl dominate the soils, while the higher altitude and cooler conditions encourage slower ripening and help preserve acidity and freshness. Several of the finest vineyards lie directly behind or above the Grand Cru slopes of Puligny and Chassagne.
Saint-Aubin has 30 Premier Cru climats but no Grand Cru vineyards. Among the most highly regarded are En Remilly, Murgers des Dents de Chien and Les Cortons, whose proximity to the Montrachet Grands Crus helps explain their reputation. Differences in altitude and exposure give the individual climats notably different personalities.
White Saint-Aubin typically combines citrus and orchard fruit with floral notes, lively acidity and pronounced mineral tension. The finest Premier Crus can show remarkable depth, precision and ageing potential, making the appellation increasingly sought after by Bourgogne lovers looking beyond Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet.
