Domaine Rollin Père et Fils’s 2012 Hautes Côtes de Beaune Blanc presents a fine expression of Burgundy’s regional style. As a white Burgundy from an appellation known for its vibrant, cool-climate whites, it is likely made predominantly from Chardonnay, although exact varietal composition can sometimes include smaller admixtures, depending on the domaine’s practices. The 2012 vintage was noted in Burgundy for its lower yields and concentrated, elegant wines, often displaying purity and freshness. Typical vinification in this area involves gentle pressing, fermentation in stainless steel or oak barrels, and some time on the lees to enhance texture, though the style tends to prioritise minerality and vibrancy over overt oak influence. Domaine Rollin Père et Fils is valued for crafting precise, terroir-driven wines that reflect the subtlety of their provenance.
The Hautes Côtes de Beaune is a subregion lying just above the famed Côte de Beaune, set on higher, cooler slopes. This location results in a fresher microclimate, yielding whites with crisp acidity, delicate fruit and lifted aromatics. The limestone-rich soils typical of the area contribute to a characteristic mineral edge, often alongside notes of green apple, citrus and white blossom. The history of winemaking in this part of Burgundy is shaped by centuries of adaptation to these marginal, hillside conditions, encouraging wines that are both expressive and refreshing. Producers here take advantage of diverse exposures and nuanced terroirs to coax maximum complexity from their fruit.
Food pairings should focus on dishes that complement the wine’s lively acidity and subtle mineral character. Classic Burgundy pairings such as goat’s cheese, quenelles de brochet (pike dumplings) with a light beurre blanc, or simply prepared shellfish can be excellent. Roast chicken with tarragon, a gently flavoured fish en papillote, or seasonal vegetable tarts would show the wine to advantage, while regional cheeses like Comté or Tomme de Beaune make elegant matches.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine chilled but not too cold, around 10-12°C. Decanting is not necessary, but allowing the open bottle a few minutes in the glass will give the bouquet time to unfurl gently.
