An important French town that many consider the wine capital of the CÔTE D’OR, if not of all BURGUNDY. It not only is in an area of important vineyards but also houses many influential wine merchants. Beaune gives its name to the southern portion of the Côte d’Or, CÔTE DE BEAUNE. The Beaune AC itself produces mainly red wines from the PINOT NOIR grape. Most of these wines, although they’ll AGE 5 to 10 years, are made in a SOFTER, low-TANNIN style that allows them to be appreciated young. Even though there are no GRAND CRU vineyards in the Beaune AC, there are number of PREMIER CRU vine-yards—many of which are excellent. Usually included in the top tier are Les Boucherottes, Les Bressandes, Les Cents Vignes, Clos du Roi, Le Clos des Mouches, Les Fèves, Les Grèves, Les Marconnets, and Les Teurons.