This 2019 Auxey-Duresses “Cuvée Les Crais” from Domaine Alain Gras embodies the precise craftsmanship and delicate style for which the Côte de Beaune is revered. While specifics on the varietals are not always explicit for every single cuvée in Burgundy, Auxey-Duresses blanc is overwhelmingly associated with Chardonnay, especially when crafted in a dry (sec) style. You can expect a wine that delicately balances freshness and minerality, harmonised by subtle notes of citrus blossom, white peach and the suggestion of almond, all completed by a gentle, well-integrated use of oak. The 2019 vintage, noted for its finesse in Burgundy, tends to favour an aromatic expression and a lively palate, offering purity alongside a satisfyingly textured mouthfeel.
Auxey-Duresses is a historic appellation nestled in the western reaches of the Côte de Beaune, adjacent to the renowned villages of Meursault and Monthélie. The vineyards here benefit from a patchwork of limestone-rich and marl soils, with east and south-east exposures that allow optimal sun for ripening while preserving freshness. The cool climate, tempered by altitude and the shelter of surrounding hills, contributes to the tension and clarity that define white wines from this region. Though sometimes overlooked in favour of its more illustrious neighbours, Auxey-Duresses produces elegant, finely structured whites that reward both patience in the cellar and curiosity at the table.
For food pairings, this wine would shine alongside delicate seafood, such as scallops sautéed with a hint of lemon, or a classic filet of sole. It provides an exquisite match to poultry in light cream sauces and soft, mellow cheeses like Saint-Marcellin or Brillat-Savarin. Regional dishes such as jambon persillé or a chicken fricassée would also play beautifully with the wine’s freshness and gentle texture.
Serve slightly chilled, at a temperature of around 10-12°C, in a generously sized white wine glass to allow its nuanced aromas to unfold. A brief decanting can help reveal its full aromatic complexity, especially in its youth. This bottle promises immediate pleasure now, but will continue to develop gracefully with a few more years in the cellar.
