Auxey-Duresses Blanc 2022, Domaine Henri Latour

Fresh Meursault allure from the Côte de Beaune. A hidden white Burgundy for clever enthusiasts! The Auxey-Duresses Blanc 2022 from Domaine Henri Latour is a beautiful, mineral-toned Chardonnay with a refined structure and an airy, Meursault-like signature. Those looking for the famous, expensive names of the Côte de Beaune should stop right here — because in Auxey-Duresses you find authentic Burgundy quality at a very friendly price.

In the glass, this Auxey-Duresses Blanc shines with a deep, bright golden-yellow color with warm reflections. The bouquet opens elegantly with aromas of white flowers, jasmine, fresh apple, and citrus, accompanied by riper notes of yellow peach, fine vanilla, and a hint of hazelnut thanks to patient aging in French oak barrels. On the palate, it is rich, juicy, and beautifully balanced: lively, refreshing acidity from apple and citrus provides a dynamic and focused backbone, while the creamy texture and deep, chalky minerality give the wine that coveted Burgundian depth. The finish is soft, full, and lingering, with a refined, slightly creamy, and saline impression — exactly as a great Auxey-Duresses Blanc should be.

Key Highlights

• Terroir: 100% Chardonnay from carefully selected, limestone-rich parcels in the commune of Auxey-Duresses (Côte de Beaune), directly bordering Meursault and Volnay. The limestone-rich marl soils and unique microclimate give the wine its remarkable freshness, tension, and mineral complexity.
• Winemaking & Ageing: Hand-harvested and gently pressed as whole bunches. Traditional alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels (a modest portion of which is new) for a subtle and refined oak integration, followed by peaceful aging on the fine lees (sur lies) to harmonize the creamy complexity and pure fruit.
• Sustainability: Environmentally conscious and natural viticulture by a historic family estate (7th generation) with minimal intervention in the cellar, aimed at the ultimate expression of the unique terroir.
• Tasting Profile: Rich, fresh, mineral, and subtly creamy. Notes of white flowers, citrus, green apple, ripe peach, vanilla, toasted hazelnut, and a saline, chalky finish.
• Ageing Potential: Extremely inviting, energetic, and open now, but possesses the concentration and acidity to cellar gracefully for 5 to 8 years, gaining further finesse and complexity.

Food Pairing

• Fish & Shellfish: Outstanding with lobster or langoustines with buttery sauces, pan-seared or grilled sea bass and turbot, or scallops (coquilles Saint-Jacques).
• Poultry & Fine Dining: Excellent with roasted chicken or guinea fowl in a creamy sauce with morels or wild mushrooms, or tender veal medallions.
• Vegetarian: Particularly delicious with a rich mushroom or truffle risotto and grilled spring vegetables.
• Cheese: Ideal with fine soft or semi-hard French cheeses such as Brillat-Savarin, Chaource, and mild, creamy goat cheese.
• Serving Suggestion: Best served between 12°C and 14°C in generous Burgundy glasses (not too cold!) to allow the beautiful balance between fresh acidity and creamy texture to truly shine.

The Terroir of Auxey-Duresses

Auxey-Duresses, located in the natural extension of the Meursault valley and sandwiched between the great red-wine areas of Pommard and Volnay, is one of the best-kept secrets of the Côte de Beaune. Although historically known for its red wines, the northwest and southern hill slopes of Montmélian produce excellent white Burgundies. The soil, rich in fine limestone and clay marl, is almost identical to that of neighboring Meursault. Thanks to the cooler breezes from the valley, the Chardonnay grapes here retain an extraordinary freshness and lively acidity, perfectly balancing the richness of the sunny 2022 vintage.

About Domaine Henri Latour

Domaine Henri Latour et Fils is a highly regarded family estate with deep roots in Auxey-Duresses, in the heart of the Côte de Beaune. Since 1992, the 15-hectare estate (three-quarters of which lies in Auxey-Duresses) has been led by brothers François and Sylvain Latour, representing the seventh generation of this winemaking family. They combine generation-long tradition with modern precision in the cellar. Their elegant, characterful, and terroir-driven Burgundies are regularly featured in the Guide Hachette and praised for their excellent value and purity.