The wines of the Hautes-Côtes are characterized by their elegant complexity and expression. From plantation to harvest, from vinification to bottling, tradition and modernism give the wines of the Hautes-Côtes the temperament of the great Burgundies. Mostly mono-varietal, Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, they reflect a terroir, a vintage and develop a unique personality. In red and white, they assert themselves with character through many different facets. The rosé, fruity and long in the mouth, is more reserved and occupies a small place in the vineyard.
Cellar secrets
The vinification may be short or long, traditional or more modern, as for the maturing, it can be done in a tank, a cask or in barrels. All of these practices applied to grapes from the many different soils of the Hautes-Côtes make it possible to craft wines full of diversity. Thanks to their know-how, the men and women who make up the vineyard produce wines in their image: accessible and generous.
The reds
Exclusively made from the Pinot Noir grape variety, the red wines of the Hautes Côtes are fine and gourmet. In their youth, they display aromas of red fruits (cherry, raspberry, strawberry or blackcurrant), licorice and flowers (violet and pink). After a few years, more mature fragrances come to the fore, highlighting notes of jam and wood, or even some more musky shades (cooking, tobacco, undergrowth). The palate is usually silky, fresh and lively.
How to drink them? At the dinner table! When young, they are the perfect match to beef, roasted poultry or duck. It is also possible to serve them with “land/sea” dishes. When mature, they enjoy the company of feathered game or ripened cheese. Keep: between 5 and 10 years Serving temperature: 14-16°
The whites
The white wines of Hautes-Côtes have a golden colour and express themselves with finesse, freshness and delicacy. Mostly from Chardonnay, they can also come from Pinot Gris or Pinot Blanc. Their complex aromatic palette is dominated by white flowers (hawthorn, honeysuckle) and white fruits (apple, pear), with some notes of citrus, hazelnut and buttered bread. The balance in the mouth is harmonious, between mineral freshness and fat.
How to drink them?
At the dinner table! When young, they promise real moments of indulgence as an aperitif. They can also be enjoyed during the meal, with fish and shellfish or with dry goat’s cheese. When aged, they perfectly enhance a truffled foie gras.
Keep: between 2 and 7 years
Serving temperature: 10-13
The men and women of the vineyards
Partners, winemakers, harvester traders, historical operators or young people who settle, the Hautes-Côtes cultivate diversity and make it one of their best assets. Today, there are 352 farmers including 38 partners, who make a living on the vineyard day after day, driven by values of solidarity, sharing and openness.
In fine weather, most cellars are open to the public for a visit or tasting. There are also many tourist routes: cabottes, Romanesque churches, walks in the forest and exceptional viewpoints… Plenty of reasons to come and visit the vine growers of Hautes-Côtes.