Les Avaux
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A generous, lower-slope Premier Cru in Beaune delivering spicy, supple Pinot Noir with impressive body and accessibility.
Les Avaux is a 13.8-hectare Beaune Premier Cru producing medium- to full-bodied Pinot Noir from south-facing lower slopes. Stonier alluvial soils over limestone give the wines spicy character and good tannic structure. It ranks among the best of Beaune's lower-slope Premier Crus.
- Total area: 13.8 hectares (34.1 acres)
- Classification: Beaune Premier Cru, one of 42 classified climates
- Elevation: 250 to 300 meters on the lower slope
- Aspect: South-facing with a warm microclimate
- Soil: Stonier free-draining alluvial soil over limestone with clay beneath
- Grape: Pinot Noir exclusively
- Style: Medium- to full-bodied, spicy, supple red wines with good tannic structure
Location and Classification
Les Avaux sits on the lower slopes of the Côte de Beaune within the commune of Beaune, classified as one of 42 Premier Cru climates under the Beaune Premier Cru appellation. The vineyard spans 13.8 hectares and occupies elevations between 250 and 300 meters. Its position on the lower slope distinguishes it from higher-lying sites such as Les Teurons and Clos des Mouches, which carry greater prestige within the appellation. The name itself derives from the lieu-dit 'Vaux,' a term designating a depression on the slope.
- One of 42 classified Premier Cru climates in Beaune
- Located on the lower slope of the Côte de Beaune
- Name derived from 'Vaux,' meaning a depression in the hillside
- Also known by the alternate designations Avaux and Clos des Avaux
Soils and Terroir
The soils of Les Avaux reflect the classic lower-slope composition of the Côte de Beaune. A stony, free-draining alluvial layer sits atop a limestone base with clay beneath. This combination retains enough moisture to support consistent ripening while the stoniness and drainage prevent waterlogging. The south-facing aspect generates a warm microclimate, though the less-steep gradient means sun exposure is less efficient than at higher elevations. These conditions produce ripe, generous fruit with firm but accessible tannins rather than the finesse-driven profile of some higher Premier Crus.
- Stonier free-draining alluvial topsoil over limestone
- Clay subsoil beneath the limestone provides moisture retention
- South-facing aspect supports a warm microclimate
- Less steep gradient reduces sun exposure efficiency compared to higher sites
Wine Style
Les Avaux produces exclusively Pinot Noir, yielding red wines that lean toward the medium- to full-bodied end of the Beaune Premier Cru spectrum. Spicy flavors are a hallmark, supported by good tannic structure that remains supple and approachable. The lower-slope terroir contributes a generous, accessible character that makes these wines enjoyable earlier than some of the more structured Premier Crus higher on the hill. The warm microclimate encourages consistent ripeness across vintages.
- Exclusively Pinot Noir
- Medium- to full-bodied with spicy flavor profile
- Supple tannins make the wines accessible relatively early
- Generous and consistent thanks to warm south-facing microclimate
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Open Wine Lookup →Notable Producers
Les Avaux attracts a strong roster of both négociant houses and domaine producers. Bouchard Père & Fils and Louis Jadot represent the major négociant presence, while the Hospices de Beaune holds a notable parcel auctioned annually at the famous November sale. Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret, Domaine Camille Giroud, and Champy Père & Cie also produce well-regarded bottlings. Smaller growers including Pierre Battault, Gilbert Lecuelle, Joël Rémy, and Domaine des Clos round out the producer landscape across the appellation.
- Hospices de Beaune holds a parcel sold at the annual November auction
- Bouchard Père & Fils and Louis Jadot lead the négociant representation
- Multiple grower-domaines including Mongeard-Mugneret and Camille Giroud
- Champy Père & Cie is among the oldest négociant houses in Burgundy with holdings here
Spicy red fruit with a medium- to full-bodied texture, supple tannins, and a generous, accessible style. The warm south-facing terroir drives consistent ripeness, giving the wines depth without sacrificing approachability.
- Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune Premier Cru Les Avaux$55-75A major négociant with long-standing holdings in Les Avaux, delivering consistent, benchmark expressions of this lower-slope terroir.Find →
- Louis Jadot Beaune Premier Cru Les Avaux$50-70Louis Jadot's version showcases the spicy, generous profile of Les Avaux with reliable vintage-to-vintage quality.Find →
- Domaine Camille Giroud Beaune Premier Cru Les Avaux$45-60A grower-domaine bottling offering terroir-focused expression with the supple structure typical of this south-facing site.Find →
- Les Avaux is one of 42 Premier Cru climates in Beaune, covering 13.8 hectares on south-facing lower slopes at 250 to 300 meters elevation.
- Soils are stonier free-draining alluvial over limestone with clay beneath, producing fuller-bodied, spicy Pinot Noir compared to higher-elevation Premier Crus.
- The name derives from the lieu-dit 'Vaux,' meaning a depression on the slope, also known as Avaux or Clos des Avaux.
- Considered among the best lower Premier Crus in Beaune but ranks below higher-lying sites like Les Teurons and Clos des Mouches in prestige.
- The Hospices de Beaune holds a parcel here, making it relevant to the annual Beaune auction and the charity wine trade cycle.