Clos des Avaux

Clos des Avaux sits within the commune of Beaune in the Côte de Beaune, one of Burgundy's most storied wine-producing zones. The vineyard is a walled clos divided by a minor road into two distinct blocks: 1.87 hectares within Les Avaux and 1.83 hectares within Champs Pimont. At 240 meters elevation with an east-facing aspect, the site catches morning sun and benefits from the gentle warmth typical of well-positioned Beaune premier crus. The name itself derives from the Old French 'Vaux' or 'Val,' a reference to the shallow depression in which both blocks lie.

• Total area of 3.7 hectares across two parcels separated by a road
• East-facing slope at 240 meters elevation
• Situated within the broader Les Avaux premier cru, appearing as a clos on historical maps
• Name references the low-lying valley topography of the site

The soils at Clos des Avaux reflect the varied geology typical of Beaune's premier cru belt. Surface alluvium and clay-chalk dominate the upper layers, giving way to cracked chalky clay and deeper clay soils underlain by Jurassic limestone. This combination of clay-retaining moisture and limestone providing drainage and mineral tension creates conditions well suited to Pinot Noir. The continental climate of the Côte de Beaune brings warm summers and cold winters, with the east-facing orientation moderating afternoon heat and preserving acidity in the fruit.

• Clay and chalk with surface alluvium in upper soil layers
• Cracked chalky clay with cailloux at mid depth
• Deep clay over Jurassic limestone substrates
• Continental climate with east-facing aspect preserving fruit acidity

Before the French Revolution, the vineyards of Clos des Avaux were the property of the Hospice de la Charité, placing this site among the long list of Beaune vineyards once controlled by charitable and religious institutions. The Hospices de Beaune, one of the most celebrated names in Burgundy, remains a key producer from this site today, maintaining the historic connection between this land and the philanthropic traditions of the town. The walled enclosure appears on historical maps as a distinct unit separating two portions of the larger Les Avaux premier cru, reinforcing its identity as a separately recognizable terroir within the appellation.

• Owned by the Hospice de la Charité prior to the Revolution
• Walled enclosure appears on maps dividing the larger Les Avaux premier cru
• Hospices de Beaune continues to produce wine from the site today
• Wines may be labeled as Clos des Avaux or Les Avaux under current regulations

Clos des Avaux produces exclusively Pinot Noir, delivering wines that sit at the medium to full-bodied end of the Beaune spectrum. The clay-dominant soils lend structure and depth, contributing a tannic backbone that sets the wines apart from lighter, more sand-influenced Beaune reds. Expect aromas of red and dark fruit alongside leather and spice, with a firm but balanced acidity that gives the wines genuine aging potential. The Hospices de Beaune bottling, released through its annual charity auction each November, is among the most visible expressions of this terroir on the international market.

• Medium to full-bodied Pinot Noir with good tannic structure
• Red and dark fruit aromas with leather and spice notes
• Balanced acidity supports age-worthiness
• Clay soils contribute depth and structure relative to other Beaune premiers crus

Several respected domaines hold parcels in Clos des Avaux. Hospices de Beaune is the most internationally recognized, offering the wine through its famous charity auction. Domaine Camille Giroud, Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret, Domaine des Clos, and Domaine Saint Marc round out the producer roster, each bringing their own cellar approach to this structured terroir. The diversity of producers makes comparative tasting an accessible way to explore how site character expresses itself across different winemaking philosophies.

• Hospices de Beaune: sold annually at the November charity auction
• Domaine Camille Giroud: respected Beaune négociant-domaine
• Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret: Vosne-Romanée-based producer with Beaune holdings
• Domaine des Clos and Domaine Saint Marc: smaller but dedicated producers