Let’s face it, Burgundy (“Bourgogne” in French) produces some of the most exquisite wines in the world. However, trying to wrap your head around the hundreds of appellations (a.k.a. regions), is a complicated matter. It also does not help that Burgundy is the only French wine region whose name has an English translation, creating confusion among consumers.

Burgundy takes the notion of terroir to a whole other level. Every parcel of land is unique, each with its own unique characteristics, resulting in an array of appellations. As an example, there are 635 Premier Cru and 33 Grand Cru vineyards in Burgundy alone. Try remembering every single one of them. I know I couldn’t!

Old World wines are often labelled by appellations and not by grape varietals. What are your choices? Do you Google search while you shop or do you do your homework prior? Well no need for either. Here is my guide to understanding Burgundy:

The two primary grapes are Chardonnay for white wine and Pinot Noir for red wine.

Regions from North to South (see wine map here)

 o   Chablis

 Chablis is the northern most wine district of Burgundy known for its unoaked Chardonnay

o   Côte de Nuits

Located in the northern part of Côte d’Or, Côte de Nuits produces stunning Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Look for Marsannay, Fixin, Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey Saint-Denis, Chambolle-Musigny, Vougeot (mostly red), Vosne-Romanée and Nuits-Saint-Georges.

o   Côte de Beaune

Located in the southern part of Côte d’Or and is known for its pure and powerful Chardonnay. My favorite whites appellations are: Pernand-Vergelesses, Savigny-lès-Beaune, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet.

The reds from Beaune, such as: Volnay, Pommard and Aloxe-Corton are elegant and refined.

o   Côte Chalonnaise

Côte Chalonnaise lies to the south of Côte d’Or and produces mostly Pinot Noir but also offers an attractive selection of white, rosé and sparkling wines. Look for Bouzeron (Aligoté grape varietal), Rully for its white, Mercurey (mostly red), Givry (mostly red) and Montagny (only white).

o   Mâconnais

The most southerly wine district of Burgundy known for its flagship white wine, Pouilly-Fuissé. Also look for the more wallet-friendly white wine alternatives from the area of Viré-Clessé and Saint-Véran.

Few of my favorite Burgundy wines:

Domaine Jean-Claude Ramonet Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru ‘Clos Saint-Jean’ 2015 (red):

Clos Saint-Jean is considered to be the best vineyard in Chassagne-Montrachet for Pinot Noir and my absolute favorite vineyard in Chassagne-Montrachet. It is an elegant, structured wine with notes of bright cherry, hints of violet and a crisp minerality.

Domaine Michel Niellon Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru ‘Clos de la Maltroie’ 2016 (white):

This 100% Chardonnay displays notes of honey, fresh rosemary, ripe stone fruits such as pear and peach along with some sweet spices. It is a graceful and structured wine with a lovely mineral finish.

Domaine Château de la Tour Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes 2007 (red):

This domaine is owned by the Labet family and is the largest parcel in the Clos Vougeot. A Clos is an actual walled vineyard. This wine shows notes of cherry, plum, violet, some gameyness along with hint of tobacco and black tea. It is complex and elegant but will definitely develop with more aging. (Currently no website available).

To find a Burgundy suitable to your palate (and wallet), do not hesitate to talk to your local retailer.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment.

Santé!

Anna