Viniou Reviews
Agnès Paquetâs 2019 Hautes CĂ´tes de Beaune Blanc is a nuanced white Burgundy, produced from Chardonnay grapes grown in the elevated hills west of the famed CĂ´tes de Beaune. The 2019 vintage in Burgundy was marked by warmth and concentration, giving ripe fruit expression while retaining the regionâs characteristic freshness. The terroir of the Hautes CĂ´tes is distinctly cooler and higher in altitude than the main CĂ´te dâOr escarpment, resulting in wines with taut acidity and an elegant mineral backbone. Vinification by Agnès Paquet typically involves gentle pressing, fermentation in stainless steel or neutral oak, and time on fine lees to enhance depth while preserving varietal purity. The demi-sec designation on this white is fairly rare in Burgundy, signalling a touch of residual sweetness that sits beautifully alongside its clean citrus and orchard fruit profile.
The Bourgogne region, and specifically the Hautes CĂ´tes de Beaune, benefits from a semi-continental climate with pronounced seasonal differencesâwarm summers and cold wintersâwhich encourages slow ripening and crisp acidity. The soils here are predominantly limestone mixed with marl and clay, bestowing classic Burgundian minerality to the wines. Historically, this subregion was less renowned than its neighbours on the CĂ´te dâOr but has gained recognition in recent years for producing stylish Chardonnays with great personality and food-friendliness.
Given the wineâs gentle off-dry profile and lively acidity, it is an especially fine match for dishes with a hint of sweetness or richness. Try it with chicken in a mild cream and morel sauce, or a regional cheese such as Chaource, which balances its creamy texture and the wineâs freshness. Asian-inspired cuisineâsuch as honey-glazed roast duck or lightly spiced prawn dishesâwould also work, as the residual sugar can temper heat and accentuate aromatic spices.
To best appreciate the delicate balance and aromatic complexity, serve this wine chilled but not too cold, ideally at 10-12°C. It could benefit from being opened twenty minutes before serving to allow the fruit and floral notes to unfold fully in the glass.
