Les Perrières (Saint-Aubin)

Les Perrières sits on the hillside above the village of Saint-Aubin, one of the lesser-heralded appellations of the Côte de Beaune that has earned a strong reputation for quality relative to price. The climat occupies the southern portion of the broader Les Frionnes slope, at an elevation of approximately 300 meters with an east-southeast exposure. This orientation captures morning sun while the higher elevation introduces a marginally cooler microclimate compared to the more famous villages further north on the Côte.

• Part of the broader Les Frionnes climate, occupying its southern third
• East-southeast exposure captures morning sunlight
• Elevation of approximately 300 meters contributes freshness and acidity
• Located directly above the village of Saint-Aubin

The name Perrières comes directly from the French word pierre, meaning stone, and refers to the ancient quarrying activity that once characterized this land. The soils live up to their name: calcareous clay and limestone with an abundance of stones throughout. This rocky, well-drained composition is a defining feature of the terroir and the primary driver of the mineral character that distinguishes wines from this climat. The limestone bedrock encourages deep root penetration and contributes to the taut, precise style associated with Les Perrières.

• Name derives from 'pierre' (stone), referencing historic quarrying activity
• Clay and limestone base with high stone content throughout
• Well-drained, calcareous soils favor freshness and mineral expression
• Stony topsoil reduces vigor and concentrates fruit

White wine from Les Perrières is defined by its stony minerality, linear acidity, and restrained fruit. Chardonnay from this climat tends toward citrus and white stone fruit with a chalky, cool-textured finish that reflects the limestone-rich soils beneath. The east-southeast exposure and moderate elevation keep ripeness in check, producing wines with energy and longevity rather than weight. While Pinot Noir is permitted, white Chardonnay dominates production and is where Les Perrières has built its reputation.

• Chardonnay dominates production; Pinot Noir is also permitted
• Defined by mineral tension, linear acidity, and restrained fruit
• Cool stony character with citrus and white stone fruit typical
• Wines offer genuine aging potential for a Saint-Aubin Premier Cru

Les Perrières has attracted producers of serious pedigree. Domaine Henri Prudhon, a longstanding Saint-Aubin specialist, bottled Les Perrières as a labeled Premier Cru white as early as the 1980s. Domaine A. & P. de Villaine, co-owned by Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, brings significant prestige to the appellation. Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey, a respected name for precise, terroir-driven Côte de Beaune whites, also works with this climat. Jean Chartron and Domaine Patrick Miolane round out a strong roster of growers.

• Domaine Henri Prudhon among the first to label it as a standalone 1er Cru white
• A. & P. de Villaine brings DRC-connected prestige to Saint-Aubin
• Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey known for precision-focused Côte de Beaune whites
• Jean Chartron and Patrick Miolane are established Saint-Aubin specialists

Saint-Aubin as an appellation sits just behind Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet on the southern Côte de Beaune, and its Premier Crus have long offered serious quality at prices significantly below its more famous neighbors. Les Perrières represents one of the more characterful climates within Saint-Aubin, combining a well-documented terroir history with a roster of quality-minded producers. For students and professionals seeking to understand Côte de Beaune Chardonnay, it serves as an instructive comparison point to the Grand Cru and Premier Cru bottlings from Chassagne and Puligny at a fraction of the cost.

• Saint-Aubin borders Chassagne-Montrachet and offers Premier Cru quality at lower prices
• Les Perrières is among the more historically documented climats in the appellation
• Useful for side-by-side study with Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet whites
• Growing international recognition has increased demand over recent vintages