Saint Aubin 1er Cru Wine, Burgundy: Styles, 10 Delightful Bottles (2024)

Saint Aubin 1er Cru wines are produced under the strict regulations of the Saint-Aubin appellation, located in Burgundy’s Cote de Beaune region.

Although the commune contains no Grand Cru vineyards, the area is home to 30 Premier Cru climats that produce some of the most mouthwatering wines of Burgundy.

Let’s discover more about these vineyards, including the wine styles, 10 best bottles, and viticulture.

Saint Aubin 1er Cru Wine Styles

Two-thirds of the wine produced in the Saint Aubin appellation is Premier Cru. They’re mostly white wines, while a smaller quantity of red wine is produced as well.

A. Saint Aubin 1er Cru White Wine 

White wine is the dominant style produced in St Aubin, and Chardonnay makes up most vineyard plantings. 

For white wine, AOC regulations allow both Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc, but most producers prefer not to mix the white grapes and stick with 100% Chardonnay. Additionally, Premier Cru white wine grapes must be harvested with a minimum potential alcohol of 11.5%.

The wines offer a tasting note of white flower, almonds, and citrus. They often undergo fermentation in French oak barrels, creating a delicate oak flavor while reducing astringency. 

Enjoy a bottle of St Aubin white wine with seafood like grilled halibut or salmon, turkey, and chicken.

B. Saint Aubin 1er Cru Red Wine

St Aubin hillsides receive lots of sunshine, making the Pinot Noir grape more challenging to grow - the reason why red wine only accounts for around a quarter of the total wine production. 

AOC regulations allow for up to 15% of total Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris as accessory grapes in red wine, but it is uncommon. The grapes must also reach a maturity of 11% for Premier Cru red wine.

These wines typically show a tasting note of blackcurrant, cherry, and blackberry characters with subtle spice notes.

St Aubin Pinot Noir pairs wonderfully with shellfish, chicken, lamb, and pork.

10 Best Saint Aubin 1er Cru Wines

Here are 10 of the best Saint Aubin Premier Cru wines to buy in 2024: 

• 2013 Domaine Hubert Lamy 'Haute Densite' Premier Cru
• 2018 Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey En Remilly
• 2014 Domaine Marc Colin St-Aubin 1er Cru "Sous Roche Dumay"
• 2019 Domaine Joseph Colin En Remilly
• 2017 Jean-Claude Boisset Saint-Aubin Premier Cru "Sur Gamay"
• 2019 Domaine Marc Colin et Fils La Chatenière
• 2011 Henri Prudhon & Fils Les Perrieres
• 2018 Domaine Olivier Leflaive St. Aubin 1er Cru "Champlots"
• 2019 Domaine Larue Saint-Aubin Murgers des Dents de Chien Premier Cru
• 2008 Domaine Hubert Lamy Derriere Chez Edouard Rouge Vieilles Vignes 

1. 2013 Domaine Hubert Lamy 'Haute Densité' Premier Cru ($464)

This white Burgundy has an expressive nose of pear and citrus with a hint of apple. A deep and full-bodied palate with tight-knit flavors from the barrel aging and an impressively long finish.

2. 2018 Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey En Remilly ($195)

Aromas of pear, orange, and white flower characterize the nose, while the medium-bodied palate offers distinct fruit flavors and a lemon-tinged finale.

3. 2014 Domaine Marc Colin St-Aubin 1er Cru "Sous Roche Dumay" ($66)

Layered aromas of white fruit and citrus, the delicious palate opens with citrus peel, fresh pear, and a hint of ginger.

4. 2019 Domaine Joseph Colin En Remilly ($65)

Aromas of honey, white flowers, and yellow fruit float from the bottle on opening. The palate has a ripe, concentrated fruit core, balanced acidity, and a long, mineral finish.

5. 2017 Jean-Claude Boisset Saint-Aubin Premier Cru "Sur Gamay" ($68)

Opening with pear, peach, and orange scents, the concentrated palate offers layers of fruit with subtle apple hints on the finish.

6. 2019 Domaine Marc Colin et Fils La Chatenière ($66)

Opening with pear, peach, and orange scents, the wine offers a concentrated palate with fruit and subtle apple hints on the finish.

7. 2011 Henri Prudhon & Fils Les Perrieres ($72)

This white Burgundy offers a delectable nose of honey, white flower, and citrus leading to a broad fruit-focused palate and refreshing finish.

8. 2018 Domaine Olivier Leflaive St. Aubin 1er Cru "Champlots" ($62)

A ripe and fresh nose of pear, citrus, and acacia lead to a delicious palate of vibrant fruit flavors with refreshing acidity on the lingering finish.

9. 2019 Domaine Larue Saint-Aubin Murgers des Dents de Chien Premier Cru ($47)

Gorgeous scents of citrus, nutmeg, and white flowers unfold in the glass, while the silky palate offers refined concentration and a bright, mineral finish.

10. 2008 Domaine Hubert Lamy Derriere Chez Edouard Rouge Vieilles Vignes ($136)

Dark berry aromas underpinned by plum, dried fruit, and berries. A round and fruity palate with well-integrated tannins and a sweet finish. 

Let’s take a look at the appellation’s climate and viticulture.

Saint Aubin 1er Cru: Climate and Viticulture

The high concentration of Premier Cru vineyards directly results from the area’s topography. The Saint Aubin appellation lies in a weather-protected valley of the Cote d’Or escarpment, which provides well-drained soils and a natural barrier against wind and fog.

The vine plantings benefits from the prolonged exposure to sunshine afforded by the appellation’s mild continental climate. This helps create elegant wines. 

High in limestone and clay, the vineyard soils are perfect for growing Chardonnay. This, coupled with the increasing popularity of white wines from the neighboring villages, has resulted in Saint Aubin moving away from the traditional red wine production. 

The area was famous for its rustic red wines, making up 75% of production. Now, white wine makes up most of the appellation’s output.

Saint Aubin 1er Cru: Scrumptious On Any Occasion! 

The Saint Aubin 1er Cru appellation produces delicious and distinctive wines at accessible prices. 

If you’re keen on adding investment-grade wines to your collection, check out Vinovest. The platform makes it easy to buy, sell, and store authentic fine wine from around the world - from New Zealand to the United States!