Beaune
1er Cru Les Vignes Franches
In Beaune, wine and pleasure are at the top of the agenda!
Pleasure on the eyes in the form of the Hospices, and pleasure of the senses with the superb mosaic of nature and humans formed by the vineyards of Beaune.
Origin
Beaune is the winegrowing capital of the region and has played an important role in Burgundian history. Profits from the annual “Hospices de Beaune” wine auction continue to provide support to hospice residents. The vineyards of Beaune are unique in that out of approximately 400 ha of vines under production, over 300 ha are classified as Premier Cru. The appellation is divided into two parts, north and south, which are separated by a division marked by the road that goes from Beaune up to Bouze-Lès-Beaune.
In old French, “Vignes Franches” signified a plot of land free from any taxation payable. This vineyard “climat” (among the lesser-known) produces fine white wines of great refinement, which can match those of certain Grands Crus in the Côte de Beaune. See from above, the vineyard is of triangular shape, with East/South-East exposure. The vine, from very fine stock, producing low yields. The soil is essentially on marl-limestone rock, quite light soil allowing for the wine to evolve with great finesse.
Viticulture
Grape variety: chardonnay
Soils: light marl-limestone rock.
Orientation: East/South-East
Surface area under vine: 0.2140 ha
Pruning: Guyot system
Yield: 27 hL/ha
Average age of the vine: 65 years old.
