César
A rare and little-known grape variety from the Yonne, César is said, according to legend, to have arrived in Burgundy in the baggage of the Roman legions. Very tannic and deeply coloured, it enters only in small proportion in the blends of Irancy, to which it brings structure, colour and ageing potential.
The aromatic profile
César produces a dark, concentrated wine, with notes of black fruits (blackberry, blackcurrant), pepper and spices, taking on nuances of forest floor and liquorice with age. It is a characterful grape, at the opposite end of the spectrum from Burgundy's usual finesse.
Structure and terroir
Resulting from a natural crossing between pinot noir and an ancient variety, César takes its name from the legend that Caesar's legions introduced it to northern Burgundy during the conquest of Gaul. Extremely tannic and deeply coloured, only a few hectares remain planted, mostly around Irancy in the Yonne, where the appellation's specifications limit its share to 10% of blends, alongside pinot noir, which brings freshness.
At the table and around the world
César gives Irancy its deep colour, firm tannins and ageing potential, for wines that pair with game, slow-cooked red meats and aged Burgundy cheeses. A near-unfindable heritage grape elsewhere, it survives only in a few appellations neighbouring the Auxerrois: Bourgogne-Coulanges-la-Vineuse, Bourgogne-Chitry, Bourgogne-Côte d'Auxerre.
Key facts
Where to taste César?
This variety is part of the blend in these appellations:
Bouteilles de César en vente
10 annonce(s) entre particuliers en ce moment — à partir de 37 €
Voir toutes les annonces César →