Les Grands Champs (1er Cru, Auxey-Duresses)

Les Grands Champs occupies 4.03 hectares on the Montagne de Bourdon hillside, the same south and southeast facing ridge that hosts all nine Premier Cru sites in Auxey-Duresses. The vineyard sits between 250 and 400 metres elevation within the Côte de Beaune, positioned to maximise sun exposure during the growing season. Auxey-Duresses itself received its own AOC in 1937, and the Premier Cru tier was formalised in 1970.

• All nine Auxey-Duresses Premier Crus share the Montagne de Bourdon hillside
• South and southeast aspect supports full ripening in this continental climate
• Elevation range of 250 to 400 metres provides natural temperature variation

The soils at Les Grands Champs consist of limestone and a pebbly marl-limestone mix, typical of the Côte de Beaune's geological character. This combination delivers good drainage while retaining enough moisture to support vine health through dry summers. The climate is continental, with warm dry summers and cool extended winters. Spring frost is a genuine risk, as it is throughout Burgundy, and growers must remain vigilant during the critical post-budbreak window.

• Limestone and pebbly marl-limestone soils underpin both red and white production
• Continental climate with warm dry summers drives phenolic ripeness in Pinot Noir
• Spring frost risk requires careful canopy and timing management

Les Grands Champs produces both red and white wines, a relatively uncommon feature among Burgundy Premier Crus that adds to its versatility and interest. The reds, made from Pinot Noir, are velvety in texture with silky tannins and dark fruit character. The whites, from Chardonnay, show fresh almond and apple notes with a mineral backbone that reflects the limestone-rich soils. Both styles sit within the classic Auxey-Duresses profile, which tends toward elegance rather than power.

• Red: velvety texture, silky tannins, dark fruit profile from Pinot Noir
• White: fresh almond, apple, and mineral notes from Chardonnay
• Dual red and white production is a point of distinction at Premier Cru level

Several well-regarded domaines hold parcels in Les Grands Champs, giving students and buyers a range of styles to explore. Domaine Diconne and Domaine Henri Latour are established names in Auxey-Duresses with long track records in the commune. Domaine Vincent Prunier, Piguet Girardin, and Domaine Dubuet-Monthelie also work this vineyard, and each brings its own approach to viticulture and winemaking while working with the same raw material.

• Domaine Diconne: established Auxey-Duresses specialist
• Domaine Vincent Prunier: respected producer across multiple Côte de Beaune appellations
• Domaine Henri Latour: longtime commune presence with holdings across several Premier Crus
• Piguet Girardin and Domaine Dubuet-Monthelie round out key representation