Recognition of Vézelay in three stages

"Vézelay", previously part of the "Bourgogne" PDO, was recognized as a complementary geographical denomination for this appellation in 1998. "Vézelay" is now recognized by its own AOP: a consecration for winegrowers that underlines the quality of their terroir and their know-how.

A dry white wine with floral aromas

The "Vézelay" appellation is a dry white wine, pale yellow-gold in color, made exclusively from the Chardonnay Blanc grape variety. This wine, which gains in complexity and finesse with age, stands out for its floral character (acacia and hawthorn), underpinned by great freshness and minerality on the palate.
In the vineyard, the Burgundian cultivation tradition is respected: high planting density, short pruning, trellising. The winemaking methods and relatively short ageing periods contribute to the distinctive expression of "Vézelay" PDO wines

Four villages in the geographical area

The Vézelay region is located in Burgundy on the edge of the Morvan Regional Nature Park, in the south of the Yonne department. Vézelay" PDO vines are planted on the hillsides of the Vézelay villages of Asquins, Saint Père and Tharoiseau. All stages of production (grape harvest, vinification, wine-making and ageing) are carried out on the same territory.

Vineyards at the foot of Vézelay's "eternal hill"

The presence of vines dates back to Gallo-Roman times. At the end of the 9th century, the establishment of a Benedictine monastery gave a boost to the vineyards, especially as, from the following century, Vézelay Abbey became a major pilgrimage center and the starting point of one of the routes to Santiago de Compostela. The wine trade flourished here until the end of the 19th century, thanks to the river network that enabled wine to be transported to Paris.