Derrière la Tour

Derrière la Tour sits within the Saint-Aubin valley in the Côte de Beaune, positioned immediately above the hamlet of Gamay. This small vineyard occupies a south-facing slope, a significant advantage in a commune that otherwise tends toward cooler, east-facing expositions. The site falls under the Saint-Aubin Premier Cru designation, placing it among the most distinguished plots in this underrated appellation.

• Parent commune: Saint-Aubin, Côte de Beaune
• Positioned above the hamlet of Gamay in the Saint-Aubin valley
• South-facing aspect provides warmth in a generally cooler commune
• Classified as Premier Cru within the Saint-Aubin appellation

The vineyard sits on limestone-rich soils characteristic of the Côte de Beaune's bedrock geology. Despite the south-facing aspect, Derrière la Tour experiences a cooler continental climate, typical of the Saint-Aubin valley's position away from the main Côte. This combination of well-drained limestone soils and a slightly cooler growing environment contributes directly to the vineyard's signature freshness and mineral precision.

• Limestone-rich soils provide excellent drainage and mineral character
• Continental climate with cooler conditions relative to the main Côte
• South-facing exposure moderates the valley's cooler tendencies
• Soil and climate together drive the wine's fresh, pure expression

Derrière la Tour produces red wine exclusively from Pinot Noir. The wines are light-bodied with a pure expression of redcurrant fruit, supported by sapid, fine-grained tannins and a fresh, clean finish. The cooler site character is evident in the wine's bright acidity and taut structure, qualities that make Saint-Aubin Premier Crus from sites like this both food-friendly and ageworthy relative to their modest price point.

• Light-bodied Pinot Noir with pure redcurrant fruit expression
• Sapid tannins and fresh acidity define the structure
• Cooler site character delivers precision and mineral lift
• Ageworthy relative to the appellation's accessible price level

Domaine Jean-Claude Bachelet et Fils is the standout producer associated with Derrière la Tour. The Bachelet family is well-regarded in Saint-Aubin for bringing serious attention to the commune's Premier Crus, crafting wines that showcase the terroir character of individual sites rather than relying on heavy winemaking intervention. Their work at Derrière la Tour reflects the broader case for Saint-Aubin as one of Burgundy's most rewarding appellations for quality relative to price.