Focus on a region: Châtillonnais

Land of history in the north of Bourgogne, a treasure trove for lovers of sparkling wines and Bourgogne wines full of youth and audacity

 

To the north-west of Dijon, located in the green heart of Bourgogne, lies an exceptional wine-growing region: the Châtillonnais. Known as the kingdom of Crémant de Bourgogne, this unique terroir is a treasure trove for sparkling wine lovers. However, this delicious specialty is not the only one to enjoy: local winegrowers also produce a diverse range of Bourgogne appellation wines, offering a convivial wine-tasting experience.

 

The winegrowing history of the Châtillonnais goes back more than 2,000 years, an epic narrated by ancient texts. Between the Carolingian era and the 19th century, the region prospered and its wines enjoyed great renown. However, in the 20th century, the region faced many challenges: three wars, the phylloxera crisis and economic upheaval. Plots of vines declined, but thanks to the perseverance of local winegrowers since the 1980s, the Châtillonnais has recovered its winegrowing glory.

 

Today, this wine-growing region covers some 250 ha, 70 km to the northwest of Dijon and 45 km to the east of Tonnerre. Crémant de Bourgogne reigns supreme here, a sophisticated sparkling wine available in white and rosé. Twenty-three charming communes in the Châtillonnais are allowed to produce Bourgogne wines, each bringing its own unique touch to these precious creations.

 

The vineyards of the Châtillonnais stretch south/southeast, benefiting from optimal summer and autumn sun exposure, ideal for grapes to ripen. The vines, deeply rooted in the hard limestone soils, extract the quintessence of the terroir, producing wines with subtle aromas, imbued with the heart and soul of Bourgogne.

 

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the uncontested main grape varieties of this region, reigning supreme in these historic lands. However, local winemakers have not forgotten Gamay and Aligoté, which contribute to the creation of Crémant de Bourgogne, combining tradition and innovation.

 

To explore the richness of Châtillonnais wines, you can also enjoy a red Bourgogne, a fresh, convivial purple wine that embodies the youth and audacity of the region. Or you could prefer a refreshingly mineral white wine, revealing subtle aromas of citrus and honey, while capturing the sunny nuances characteristic of the Châtillonnais region.