Basses Mourottes

Basses Mourottes sits within the commune of Ladoix-Serrigny at the northern tip of the Côte de Beaune, one of Burgundy's most underappreciated appellations. The vineyard is positioned at 340 metres elevation on a south to south-southeast aspect, placing it on the upper portion of the slope above the lieu-dit Carrières. This elevated position ensures good sun exposure while the continental climate of Burgundy governs the growing season with warm summers and cold winters. The combination of aspect and altitude contributes to the vineyard's capacity for wines with both ripeness and freshness.

• Located in Ladoix-Serrigny, the northernmost commune of the Côte de Beaune
• Elevation of 340 metres, situated above the Carrières lieu-dit
• South to south-southeast aspect maximises solar exposure
• Continental climate with warm summers and cold winters

The soils at Basses Mourottes are classified as brown limestone over a subsoil of clayey limestone dating from the middle Oxfordian era, a geological period within the Late Jurassic. This combination is typical of the Côte de Beaune's finest sites and provides excellent drainage while retaining sufficient moisture for vine stress management. The limestone base imparts the characteristic minerality associated with top Burgundy sites, while the clay component adds body and texture to the wines produced here.

• Brown limestone topsoil over clayey limestone subsoil
• Subsoil dates from the middle Oxfordian geological era (Late Jurassic)
• Limestone provides drainage and contributes to mineral character
• Clay component adds body and textural weight to wines

The name Mourottes derives from a diminutive of the French word 'Mur,' meaning wall. This etymology points directly to the site's pre-viticultural history: the area was once marked by ancient quarry faces, and as those quarries were filled in and reclaimed, they were converted into vineyard land. The word 'Basses' distinguishes this lower section from any upper portion of the same lieu-dit. The vineyard carries the Premier Cru classification within the Ladoix appellation, and notably, portions of the Basses Mourottes lieu-dit also fall within the Corton Grand Cru boundary, giving the site a dual identity that speaks to the complexity of Burgundian appellation mapping.

• 'Mourotte' is a diminutive of 'Mur' (wall), referencing ancient quarry faces
• The site was historically a quarry that was filled in and converted to vineyard
• 'Basses' identifies this as the lower section of the Mourottes lieu-dit
• Parts of the lieu-dit qualify for the Corton Grand Cru designation

Basses Mourottes produces both red and white wines from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay respectively. The wines are characterised by elegance, finesse, and suppleness, with soft tannins in the reds. Ladoix reds are often described as lighter and more delicate than those from neighbouring Aloxe-Corton, and Basses Mourottes exemplifies this style. The limestone soils contribute a mineral backbone, while the well-exposed aspect ensures adequate phenolic ripeness even in cooler vintages. These are wines that reward patience but are accessible earlier than many Côte de Beaune counterparts.

• Both red (Pinot Noir) and white (Chardonnay) wines produced
• Style: elegant, fine, and supple with soft tannins
• Lighter and more delicate profile typical of Ladoix reds
• Mineral character underpins both the red and white expressions

Domaine Gaston et Pierre Ravaut and Domaine d'Ardhuy are among the producers with holdings in Basses Mourottes. Domaine Gaston et Pierre Ravaut is a family estate long associated with the Ladoix appellation and has been an important ambassador for the commune's premier crus. Domaine d'Ardhuy, based in the Côte de Nuits, has developed a significant presence across the Côte d'Or and brings a meticulous approach to terroir expression. Both producers help bring attention to Ladoix, one of Burgundy's more overlooked appellations despite its proximity to the celebrated Corton hill.

• Domaine Gaston et Pierre Ravaut: family estate and long-standing Ladoix specialist
• Domaine d'Ardhuy: Côte d'Or producer with holdings across multiple appellations
• Ladoix generally offers good value relative to neighbouring Aloxe-Corton and Corton