Les Cent Vignes

Les Cent Vignes sits at the northern end of the Beaune hillside, occupying gentle southeast-facing slopes between 250 and 300 meters elevation. At 23.5 hectares, it ranks among the largest premier cru climats in the Beaune appellation. Its position toward the northern edge of the commune imparts a noticeably fresher, finer character to the wines compared to premiers crus situated further south on the Beaune slope.

• Southeast aspect ensures consistent sun exposure across the growing season
• Gentle slopes promote natural drainage without excessive water stress
• Northern position within Beaune contributes finesse and freshness to the wine style

The soils of Les Cent Vignes are classified as argilo-calcaire, a clay-limestone mix with a notably sandy texture and stony subsoil. This combination delivers the drainage essential for high-quality Pinot Noir in Burgundy, preventing waterlogging while retaining enough moisture to sustain the vines through dry periods. The limestone component supports natural acidity and mineral tension in the finished wines.

• Clay-limestone base with sandy texture distinguishes this climat from heavier clay soils lower on the slope
• Stony subsoil reinforces drainage and encourages deep root development
• Limestone substratum contributes to the fresh acidity characteristic of the appellation

The name Les Cent Vignes does not literally mean 'one hundred vines' as a straightforward French reading might suggest. It derives from 'Sanvignes,' the name of a Gallo-Roman settlement located near the source of the Genêt, a small watercourse running through this part of Beaune. Over centuries, 'Sanvignes' evolved linguistically into 'Cents Vignes' and eventually the modern 'Cent Vignes,' preserving the ancient toponym in the vineyard's identity. This deep historical rooting connects the climat to pre-medieval land use in the Côte de Beaune.

• Gallo-Roman settlement 'Sanvignes' is the documented origin of the climat's name
• Linguistic evolution from 'Sanvignes' to 'Cents Vignes' to 'Cent Vignes' occurred over many centuries
• Alternate spelling 'Les Cents Vignes' still appears on some producer labels

Les Cent Vignes produces red wines of notable elegance and balance. The style is defined by silky tannins, pronounced red fruit aromas, and a delicate texture that reflects both the sandy soil component and the climat's fresher northern position. Expect red cherry, raspberry, and strawberry on the nose, supported by fine structure and good acidity. These are not blockbuster Beaune reds; they reward those who appreciate precision and finesse over concentration and weight.

• Silky tannin structure with excellent integration at moderate ripeness levels
• Red fruit profile: cherry, raspberry, strawberry with floral top notes
• Fresher, finer style than many southern Beaune premiers crus
• Good aging potential while remaining approachable relatively early

Les Cent Vignes attracts a diverse range of producers from small domaines to large négociants. Albert Morot and Domaine Rapet Père & Fils are well-regarded for consistent, terroir-expressive bottlings. Benjamin Leroux brings a precise, modern approach, while Louis Latour and Patriarche Père & Fils offer négociant perspectives with broad distribution. Domaine Maratray Dubreuil, Domaine des Croix, Xavier Monnot, Domaine Maldant-Pauvelot, and Clos du Moulin aux Moines round out a strong field of growers with meaningful holdings in the climat.

• Albert Morot is a historic Beaune producer with long-established vines in the climat
• Benjamin Leroux represents the new wave of precise, low-intervention Beaune winemaking
• Both domaine and négociant producers are active, offering diverse price points and styles