Historically the owners of this area did not have to pay tax on the land, hence the name 'Vignes Franches' ('free vines'). The Beaune Premier Cru "Vignes Franches" parcel, an important part of Domaine Louis Latour, lies mid-slope. The clay soils are scattered with small pebbles, which allow for easy drainage of water. Here we find the same opulence as in neighboring Pommard, as well as an extremely pleasant fruit-forwardness even when young. It is one of the best Premier Cru vineyards of Beaune, producing a wine that is capable of aging to perfection for a considerable period of time.