The Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune appellation is a regional AOC recognized since 1961, covering the highlands or "back-slope hillsides" located west of the renowned Côte de Beaune.
It spans around 800 hectares across about twenty communes, including Nolay, La Rochepot, Échevronne, and parts of Pernand-Vergelesses (on the higher ground).
The vineyards lie between 300 and 450 meters in altitude, which gives them a slightly cooler climate than the Grands Crus appellations below, leading to balanced and often livelier wines.
The wines can be red (primarily from Pinot Noir) or white (from Chardonnay), with a majority of red production. The reds are generally fruity, offering aromas of cherry, redcurrant, raspberry, and sometimes mild spices. On the palate, they are supple, fresh, and approachable—ideal for drinking within 3 to 8 years. The whites show notes of white flowers, citrus, and flint, with a lovely liveliness.
Less prestigious than their Côte de Beaune counterparts, the wines from the Hautes-Côtes charm with their authenticity, freshness, and excellent value for money. They often represent an accessible gateway into the world of Burgundy wines, while still expressing the character of a distinctive, high-altitude terroir. Many talented young winemakers are now breathing new life into the appellation.
