France - Burgundy - Côte Chalonnaise - Rully
Rully: The Versatile Village of Sparkling and Still Wines in the Côte Chalonnaise
1. Location
Rully is located in the Côte Chalonnaise sub-region of Burgundy, between Bouzeron to the north and Mercurey to the south. It is one of the key villages in the Côte Chalonnaise, known for producing a wide variety of wines, including white, red, and sparkling wines. The village sits in the northern part of the Côte Chalonnaise, closer to the Côte de Beaune, which gives it a unique position and influences its wine styles.
2. Key Varietals
• Chardonnay (dominant in white wines)
• Pinot Noir (used for red wines)
• Crémant de Bourgogne (sparkling wine made from both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir)
Rully is particularly renowned for its white wines made from Chardonnay, which are elegant, fresh, and mineral-driven. The village also produces Pinot Noir-based red wines, though these are less prominent. In addition, Rully is one of the key villages for producing Crémant de Bourgogne, Burgundy’s sparkling wine.
3. History
The winemaking history of Rully dates back to Roman times, and it gained greater prominence during the Middle Ages. The Cistercian monks played a major role in shaping the vineyards and promoting viticulture in the region. Rully was historically important in Burgundy’s wine trade, as its wines were used in both local consumption and export. The village became well-known for its sparkling wines in the 19th century, and it remains one of the centers of Crémant de Bourgogne production today.
4. Wine-Making History
The wines of Rully are known for their precision, purity, and elegance. White wines from Rully are typically fermented in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels, depending on the style of the producer. The wines are aged in French oak barrels, often with limited use of new oak to retain the freshness and minerality of the Chardonnay. The best examples show a balance of fruit, acidity, and minerality, with the potential for some aging.
The red wines from Pinot Noir are fermented in traditional open-top vats and aged in oak barrels for around 12 to 18 months. The reds are generally lighter and more delicate than those from nearby Mercurey, focusing on fresh fruit flavors and subtle tannins.
Rully is also known for its production of Crémant de Bourgogne, which is made in the traditional method, with secondary fermentation occurring in the bottle. These sparkling wines are typically made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, offering vibrant acidity, fresh fruit flavors, and a lively, effervescent texture.
5. Region Facts
• Size: The Rully AOC covers approximately 340 hectares of vineyards, with about 65% dedicated to white wine production (Chardonnay), 30% to red wine (Pinot Noir), and a small portion to Crémant de Bourgogne (sparkling wines).
• Wine Style:
• White wines from Rully are fresh and mineral-driven, with flavors of green apple, pear, citrus, and white flowers, often accompanied by notes of hazelnut and toast from oak aging. These wines tend to be approachable when young but can also age for a few years.
• Red wines are light-bodied and elegant, with flavors of red berries (cherry, raspberry, strawberry), spice, and earth, offering fine tannins and bright acidity. They are generally more approachable in their youth.
• Crémant de Bourgogne (sparkling wines) are known for their vibrant acidity, fresh fruit flavors, and crisp finish, making them an excellent alternative to Champagne.
• Production: Rully produces around 2 million bottles annually, with a majority being white wines and sparkling wines.
6. Microclimate
The Côte Chalonnaise enjoys a continental climate, with warm summers and cool winters. The vineyards in Rully are located on gentle east- and southeast-facing slopes, providing excellent sun exposure and ripening conditions for both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The soils in Rully are a mix of limestone, clay, and marl, which contribute to the wines’ freshness, minerality, and elegance. The higher limestone content in the soils is particularly beneficial for producing mineral-driven white wines.
7. Classification Wineries
The wines of Rully are classified into Village and Premier Cru appellations. While there are no Grand Cru vineyards, the Premier Cru vineyards are highly regarded for their quality, often producing wines that rival those from more prestigious appellations in the Côte d’Or.
A. Premier Cru Vineyards
Rully has 23 Premier Cru vineyards, which are known for producing elegant and expressive wines. These wines often exhibit more complexity, structure, and aging potential compared to the village-level wines. Some of the most notable Premier Cru vineyards include:
• Les Cloux: Known for producing refined Chardonnay with flavors of citrus and white flowers, balanced by a fine mineral texture.
• Les Margotés: Produces rich and balanced white wines, offering flavors of ripe stone fruits, honey, and a touch of oak.
• Les Grésigny: Famous for its mineral-driven Chardonnay, with crisp acidity and flavors of green apple and citrus.
• La Pucelle: Known for producing fresh, lively white wines with a delicate balance of fruit and minerality.
• Clos Saint-Jacques: A Premier Cru vineyard that produces both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, known for elegant, floral reds and mineral-driven whites.
B. Village Appellations
The Village-level wines from Rully offer excellent value and are a great introduction to Burgundy’s Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The white wines are typically fruit-forward with a crisp, mineral edge, while the red wines are light-bodied, with fresh flavors of red fruit and spice.
8. Famous Wineries
• Domaine Jacqueson: One of the top producers in Rully, known for crafting high-quality Premier Cru wines from vineyards such as Les Cloux and Les Grésigny. The estate produces both white and red wines, with a focus on expressing the terroir of Rully.
• Domaine Dureuil-Janthial: A well-regarded producer in Rully, Dureuil-Janthial is known for producing refined, mineral-driven Chardonnay and elegant Pinot Noir from Premier Cru sites.
• Domaine de Villaine: Owned by Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, this domaine produces expressive wines from Rully, focusing on both Chardonnay and Crémant de Bourgogne.
• Domaine Faiveley: A major player in Burgundy, Faiveley produces vibrant and precise wines from both village-level and Premier Cru vineyards in Rully.
• Domaine Paul et Marie Jacqueson: Known for producing terroir-driven wines, this estate crafts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Crémant de Bourgogne, with a focus on elegance and balance.
Summary of Rully
Rully is one of the most versatile wine-producing villages in the Côte Chalonnaise, known for producing elegant white wines from Chardonnay, delicate red wines from Pinot Noir, and sparkling wines under the Crémant de Bourgogne appellation. The village’s 23 Premier Cru vineyards, such as Les Cloux, Les Grésigny, and Les Margotés, produce wines with refinement, freshness, and complexity, particularly when it comes to Chardonnay. The wines from Rully are often described as mineral-driven and vibrant, offering excellent value compared to wines from the Côte d’Or. Renowned producers like Domaine Jacqueson, Domaine Dureuil-Janthial, and Domaine de Villaine continue to elevate Rully’s reputation as a source of high-quality Burgundy wines that combine terroir expression with approachability.