The Côte Chalonnaise

Just like the Côte d'Or, it is made up of layers of chalk dating from the Jurassic period. In the north, the vineyards face east towards the plain, whereas in the south, they face west opposite the Côte Mâconnaise. Its geology and climate are close to those of the Côte d'Or.

The vineyards cover some 3 400 hectares over an area about 30 kilometres long by 5/6 kilometres wide, planted at an altitude of 220 to 350 metres.

The great white wines are produced essentially in Rully and Montagny. Chardonnay gives its best on the chalky, clay soils facing east and south-east.

To the north of the Côte Chalonnaise, Bouzeron is totally atypical : widely recognised as the best white 100% Aligoté in Burgundy. Whereas in Puligny-Montrachet or Meursault, the "noble" land is given over to Chardonnay and the less favourable planted with Aligoté, in Bouzeron, the best areas are planted with the Aligoté variety. It is also to be noted that the soil and sub-soil of Bouzeron have characteristics identical to the famous soil of Corton-Charlemagne. Only the exposure and altitude are different. Bouzeron was given a new "Appellation Villages" in 1997 and now belongs to the Côte Chalonnaise along with Rully, Mercurey, Givry and Montagny.

There are only about ten noteworthy growers who cultivate, harvest, and produce bottles of this lively, fresh aromatic wine. With 8.45 hectares in production, Bouchard Père & Fils is one of the privileged few.