Couchey
A stop in Couchey for the night on the way to Dijon. After going through the day of light rain along the way, Monique took us to her extended family’s cellar. Monique was welcomed like a queen and we were her entourage. It was still drizzling when we got there. We leaned our bikes in a corner and we were introduced to her family’s crew, and as we were trying to prepare to gather together, Dominique and I were were showed in the cellar. This is a small family vineyard, a humble family who don’t make big money in terms of selling their bottles. A family like atmosphere made me feel at ease even though I didn’t understand French. However, they made me feel that I belong there through their eye contact. At times, Monique tried to explain it in English.
In Couchey, a village in the Burgundy wine region, the most valued wines are typically from the Côte de Nuits subregion, known for producing high-quality Pinot Noir wines. The area is part of the Côte de Nuits-Villages appellation, which is recognized for both red and white wines.
Couchey’s red wines, predominantly made from Pinot Noir, are highly regarded for their depth of flavor, rich aromas, and complexity. The wines from this area often feature notes of dark fruit, earthy undertones, and subtle spice. While some white wines made from Chardonnay are also produced, the red Pinot Noir wines from Couchey and the surrounding Côte de Nuits vineyards tend to be more sought after.
If you're visiting, you might want to look for the wines from local domaines in the area, as they often provide excellent examples of what the region has to offer.
Aligoté is a white grape variety also grown in Burgundy, and while it’s not as well-known or prestigious as Chardonnay, it is still an important part of the region's wine offerings. In the Côte de Nuits area, where Couchey is located, Aligoté is less common than in other parts of Burgundy, such as the Côte Chalonnaise or Côte de Beaune, where it thrives.
Aligoté wines are typically fresh, light, and crisp, with flavors of citrus, green apple, and a slightly herbal or floral note. They are known for their high acidity, making them excellent for pairing with food, particularly seafood, poultry, and cheeses. In Burgundy, Aligoté is sometimes used to make a traditional drink called Kir, which is made by adding a splash of crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) to the wine.
In Couchey, while Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the dominant varieties, some local producers might still produce Aligoté, offering a refreshing, less expensive option for wine lovers exploring Burgundy’s diverse offerings.