Côte Chalonnaise:
An area of irregular geography between the Cote
d'Or to the north and the Mâconnais and
Beaujolais to the south, the Cote Chalonnaise
features cooler temperatures and exposures, with
many lofty vineyards at 1,000 feet or more. The
whites are planted to limestone soils around Montagny
and Rully; the reds to the heavy clay of Mercurey
and Givrey. Although conditions are more uncertain
than the Cote d'Or, wines from good producers
can be a great value. Along with the usual suspects
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the Cote Chalonnaise
produces some Gamay and Aligoté. The village
of Bouzeron is considered to produce the best
Aligoté of Burgundy.
