Wines Saint-Aubin Domaine Armand Heitz - Travers de Chez Édouard Saint-Aubin - 2018

Domaine Armand Heitz’s Saint-Aubin Premier Cru “Cuvée Travers de Chez Édouard” 2018 hails from the heart of the Côte de Beaune, a subregion within Bourgogne renowned for its elegant white wines. Though varietal composition is not confirmed, Saint-Aubin’s white premier cru wines are traditionally vinified from Chardonnay, and exhibit a refined balance between fruit and mineral expression. The 2018 vintage was notable across Burgundy for its warmth and generous yields, lending this cuvée likely aromas of stone fruits—ripe peach, apricot—interwoven with citrus, delicate floral notes, and a subtle touch of oak from careful élevage. On the palate, one would expect a certain freshness carried by vibrant acidity, a signature of Saint-Aubin, underpinned by a precise minerality that reflects the terroir’s limestone soils.

The Saint-Aubin appellation lies in the western reaches of the Côte de Beaune, bordering the illustrious villages of Chassagne- and Puligny-Montrachet. The region benefits from a moderately cool climate protected by gentle slopes and woodland, producing wines with finesse and pronounced purity. The soils here are predominantly limestone and marl, which help imbue the wines with their crystalline, mineral drive, often regarded as more accessible than their celebrated neighbours without sacrificing complexity. Saint-Aubin has emerged in recent decades as an insider’s favourite among white Burgundy aficionados, combining pedigree with excellent value.

With its lively personality and subtle richness, this Premier Cru white calls for food pairings that complement both its freshness and depth. Classic Bourgogne matches include delicate river fish in beurre blanc, pike quenelles, or roast Bresse chicken flavoured with tarragon. Dishes featuring shellfish, such as scallops or crab, and simple vegetable preparations—think asparagus or creamy mushroom risottos—will equally flatter the wine’s aromatics and precise structure.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Saint-Aubin Premier Cru chilled but not too cold—ideally around 11-13°C to allow the bouquet and textural nuances to unfold gracefully. Decanting for a brief period may also benefit younger bottles, especially from a concentrated vintage like 2018.