The Auxey-Duresses appellation is located in the Saint-Romain valley, in the heart of the Côte de Beaune, a sub-region of the Côte d'Or in Burgundy. The appellation was established in 1937. The commune of Auxey-Duresses comprises two main areas: the village of Auxey-Duresses itself, nestled in a small valley, and the picturesque hamlets of Petit Auxey and Melin. Before 1924, the village was known simply as Auxey, but then added the name of one of its finest producers, Les Duresses.
Nestled between the famous Meursault and Monthélie appellations, the small village of Auxey-Duresses covers just over 130 hectares of vineyards, offering a diverse terroir rich in history. The majority of parcels are planted with Pinot Noir, 93 hectares (230 acres) of which 27 hectares (67 acres) are classified as Premier Cru. Chardonnay vines cover 40 hectares (99 acres), with only 2 hectares (5 acres) classified as Premier Cru.
This region benefits from a soil composed mainly of limestone and marl, typical of the best wine-growing areas in Burgundy. The limestone soils, often covered with a thin layer of clay, are particularly suitable for growing Pinot Noir. The vineyards are mainly located on south-east-facing slopes, an ideal exposure that gives the grapes optimum sunshine, crucial for their ripening in this continental climate with its cold winters and hot summers. This orientation, combined with the relatively modest altitude of the vineyards, favors good air circulation and protects the vines from excess heat in summer, while minimizing the risk of spring frosts.
Red wines made mainly from Pinot Noir grapes are distinguished by their elegant structure and ruby color. The wines offer aromas of red fruits and floral scents. White wines are made from the Chardonnay grape variety, and are notable for their pale color, almond and apple aromas, to which may be added a fine minerality.
Among the best-known estates in the Auxey-Duresses appellation are : Domaine Dupont-Fahn, Domaine François Rapet, Domaine Henri de Villamont, Domaine Vincent Prunier, Domaine Olivier Leflaive, Domaine Comte Armand and Maison Leroy.