Climat du Val

Climat du Val occupies a south-facing position on the Montagne du Bourdon hillside within the commune of Auxey-Duresses, a small but respected appellation tucked behind Meursault and Volnay in the Côte de Beaune. The vineyard sits at elevations ranging from 260 to 360 meters, placing it in the mid-to-upper reaches of the hillside where good drainage and sun exposure combine. Its immediate neighbor is Les Duresses, one of the most recognized Premier Crus in the appellation, lending Climat du Val excellent company in terms of terroir credentials.

• Commune: Auxey-Duresses, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy
• Elevation range: 260 to 360 meters
• Aspect: south-facing
• Adjacent to Premier Cru Les Duresses

The vineyard sits on limestone bedrock with a limey soil composition, the classic Burgundian combination that promotes both drainage and mineral complexity in the finished wines. The continental climate of the Côte de Beaune brings warm, dry summers that ripen the fruit, offset by cool, extended winters that maintain freshness and acidity. At these elevations, diurnal temperature variation adds further lift and tension to both the red and white wines produced here.

• Limestone bedrock with limey soil composition
• Continental climate: warm dry summers, cool extended winters
• Elevation-driven diurnal temperature variation supports freshness

Climat du Val produces both red wines from Pinot Noir and white wines from Chardonnay, reflecting the dual identity of Auxey-Duresses as a commune known for both colors. The red wines are described as well-balanced, fruity, and round, with a smooth texture and fresh aromas, sitting comfortably within the approachable yet structured profile typical of good Auxey-Duresses Premier Cru. The whites show fresh almond, apple, and mineral characteristics, sharing some DNA with the Meursault style that neighbors the commune to the south, though at a more accessible price point.

• Reds: fruity, round, smooth texture, fresh aromas
• Whites: fresh almond, apple, and mineral notes
• Both colors produced under the Auxey-Duresses Premier Cru designation

The name Climat du Val holds a unique distinction: it is the only lieu-dit in all of Burgundy that begins with the word 'Climat.' In Burgundian viticulture, 'climat' refers to a precisely delimited vineyard plot defined by its specific combination of soil, slope, and microclimate, a concept central to the entire classification system of the region. That this vineyard carries the word in its own proper name is a quirk of local history and nomenclature. The alternate name Le Climat de Val appears on some producer labels and official documents. The vineyard falls within the broader historical tapestry of Auxey-Duresses, a commune that has long lived in the shadow of its more famous neighbors but produces wines of genuine character.

Several respected Burgundian producers hold parcels in or bottle wine from Climat du Val. Domaine Roy and Fils, along with Domaine Roy, represent the local family producer presence. Domaine Pascal Prunier Bonheur is a well-regarded small domaine in Auxey-Duresses with a strong track record across the appellation. Larger négociant houses including Jean-Claude Boisset and ROPITEAU Frères also produce from the vineyard, offering wider distribution. Vaudoisey-Creusefond rounds out the producer list with its Volnay-based family operation.

• Domaine Roy & Fils and Domaine Roy: local family producers
• Domaine Pascal Prunier Bonheur: respected small Auxey-Duresses domaine
• Jean-Claude Boisset and ROPITEAU Frères: négociant representation
• Vaudoisey-Creusefond: Volnay-based family producer with parcels here