Beaune is the southern area of Cote d'Or, where the wines become lighter and more perfumed. The AOC designations here can be confusing, 'Hautes Côtes de Beaune' is to the west behind Côte de Beaune, on a gently concave plateau, 400m above sea level. 'Côte de Beaune' without the 'Hautes' refers to four vineyards on a hill above Beaune, opposed to the 16 different villages used in 'Côte de Beaune Villages'. These areas, along with the specific Premier and Grand Cru's, are among the most respected land in the entire world.