Coulanges la vineuse, Cuvee Prestige Blanc 2020, Jean Luc Houblin

Burgundy Wine from the Backyard of the Parisiennes

This white Burgundy wine from Houblin is truly fantastic. It may not carry the well-known names of Givry, Meursault, or Santenay, but it absolutely deserves attention! If you drive from Chablis to Beaune, you’ll pass it... yet it seems that very few people take that exit. It effortlessly flirts with the quality of a Meursault or Puligny-Montrachet, but comes with a friendlier price tag. A beautiful, full-bodied wine that pleasantly surprises many.

It has an aromatic profile of peach and citrus fruits, thanks to a specific vinification method. The nose reveals a perfume of honeysuckle with notes of iodine, pear, quince, peach, honey, and brioche. The taste is meaty and sunny, with aromas of exotic fruit and a fresh, soft finish. Its roundness brings forth its buttery side and highlights the aromas of very ripe fruit. This vintage ages for 1 year in French oak barrels (new barrels mixed with barrels that are 2, 3, 4, and 5 years old). This wine has a very generous wood note when served not too cold.

Bourgogne Coulanges-la-Vineuse, located 15 km south of Auxerre on the left bank of the Yonne, is the only regional appellation in that area. With vineyards spread across seven municipalities, they benefit from a favorable microclimate due to their elevation between 155 and 310 meters above sea level. The soils consist of limestone, clay, and marl. About 15 growers primarily produce red Bourgogne Coulanges-la-Vineuse (80%), with a smaller amount of white (15%) and rosé (5%). A drastic decline in the number of growers was caused by the phylloxera plague in the 19th century. The region remained relatively unknown due to economic and geographical factors. However, the red Burgundies from this area have developed a unique identity, fresh and fruity with mineral notes. Recently, they are gaining structure and concentration, making them appealing compared to the powerful Irancy wines across the Yonne.

Wine and Food Pairing

Ideal for appetizers, summer salads, creamy cheeses, cured meats, and white fish.

Special Features

• 100% Chardonnay aged in French oak barrels of various ages
• Rich, buttery yet fresh. Not too heavy but with a generous wood note
• The wine is produced in the Auxerrois: the northern Burgundy towards Chablis
• Old vines for an extra rich Chardonnay experience

Domaine Houblin-Vernin

The secret backyard of the Parisiennes. Just a 2-hour drive from Paris brings you to Domaine Houblin-Vernin in Coulange la Vineuse in the Yonne south of Auxerre. Jean-Luc Houblin began his winemaking journey with just one and a half hectares of vines in Migé. Now, over twenty-five years later, the vineyard area in Migé has expanded by over 2000%. Starting in 1988 with minimal vineyard presence, Migé now has 35 hectares. In 2022, young Valentin Vernin took over from Jean-Luc Houblin, who has just retired. This led to the current name Domaine Houblin-Vernin. Since 2019, they have also been HVE certified. Additionally, Valentin received the Young Talents Trophy for best talent under 40 years working in Burgundy for their department. This is precisely the talent we are looking for. Gifted without immediately being too high and mighty. Their Burgundies have both a mineral and rich character, capable of enticing even the most spoiled Burgundy lover.

Côte Auxerrois: The Hidden Gem of Burgundy

The Côte Auxerrois, located northwest of the famous wine regions of Burgundy, is an area often overlooked by Burgundy wine enthusiasts. However, this region, around the city of Auxerre, is increasingly coming into the spotlight for its excellent price-quality ratio. While more famous Burgundy wines often demand high prices, Côte Auxerrois offers surprisingly high-quality wines with an authentic character, without the exorbitant costs. For those looking to truly explore Burgundy, Côte Auxerrois is a region full of pleasant surprises.

What is produced in Côte Auxerrois?

The Côte Auxerrois is known for its versatility, focusing on both white and red wines. The main grape varieties are Chardonnay and Aligoté for white wines, and Pinot Noir and Gamay for red wines. The region includes various appellations such as Bourgogne Côte d’Auxerre, Saint-Bris, Coulanges la Vineuse, Chitry, and Irancy. The white wines from this region often have a fresh and mineral style, with subtle fruity tones that reflect the terroir of the region. Comparable to the adjacent Chablis wine region but often a bit friendlier in terms of minerals. The red wines, particularly the Pinot Noir, are known for their elegant structure and vibrant flavors, while the Gamay wines offer a lighter, fruitier style.

Which dishes pair well with Côte Auxerrois wines?

The white Chardonnay and Aligoté wines from Côte Auxerrois are extremely suitable for a wide range of dishes. They pair well with shellfish and seafood such as oysters, mussels, and shrimp, as well as light fish dishes with fresh lemon or herb butter sauces. These wines are also a good choice with soft cheeses and light poultry dishes with subtle herbs.

The red wines from Côte Auxerrois, especially Pinot Noir and Gamay, are an excellent choice with poultry, light meats such as veal, and lighter stews. They are perfect for dishes with earthy flavors, such as mushrooms and roasted vegetables. For vegetarians, they pair well with dishes featuring lentils, carrots, and beets, or with a creamy risotto. Both types of wine, both red and white, are versatile and can even be served with lighter desserts.

Buying Côte Auxerrois Burgundy wines

At Burgundy or Nowhere, you will find a carefully selected collection of wines from Côte Auxerrois. We are particularly impressed by the wines from Domaine Chalmeau, whose Bourgogne Chitry offers a rare and refreshing Chablis-like experience within Burgundy. The Coulanges-la-Vineuse Rouge from Domaine Houblin is also recommended for those seeking a rich yet elegant red wine. Our goal is to offer wines that are more than worth their price, focusing on the quality in the bottle, not just the name on the label.