Tasting Burgundy wines is an art form, a sensory journey through one of the world’s most revered wine regions. For connoisseurs, understanding the subtleties of terroir—how a slight difference in soil or exposition can alter a wine’s character—is essential. Take, for example, the storied Grand Crus of the Côte de Nuits. A vertical tasting of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti’s La Tâche showcases a fascinating evolution of flavor and complexity over the years, reflecting both the vintage’s climate and the winemaking philosophy. Critical Tip: While tasting, look beyond prestigious labels. Explore offerings from emerging producers, like Sylvain Pataille’s Marsannay, to discover the next generation of Burgundy excellence.
Understanding Terroir Through Tasting
The concept of terroir is often discussed, but it’s through tasting that one truly grasps its significance. Burgundy is a mosaic of microclimates and soils, each imparting unique qualities to the wines. Delving into the intricacies of Burgundy’s terroir through tasting is indeed a profound experience, especially when focusing on wines produced from neighboring plots or “climats” that, while geographically proximate, yield vastly different wines due to the subtle variations in terroir. This approach not only enhances one’s understanding and appreciation of the terroir’s influence but also sharpens the investor’s acumen in discerning the unique qualities and potential value of wines from different parcels. Let’s explore this concept further using specific examples from Vougeot and the revered Montrachet vineyards.
Vougeot: A Tapestry of Terroir
The village of Vougeot, most famous for the grandiose Clos de Vougeot, offers a fascinating case study in the diversity of Burgundy’s terroir. Within and around the boundaries of the Clos de Vougeot, several distinct plots or “climats” can be explored:
- Clos de Vougeot itself is a large Grand Cru vineyard with over 50 different owners, each plot varying slightly in soil composition, slope, and aspect, resulting in a wide array of expressions of Pinot Noir.
- Les Petits Vougeots sits just below the grand enclosure of Clos de Vougeot, offering wines that often blend the robust structure of their famous neighbor with a distinctive elegance and finesse.
- Musigny, a neighboring Grand Cru, albeit with a different microclimate and a slightly more elevated position, produces wines of extraordinary complexity and longevity, showcasing the stark contrasts that can exist even within short distances.
- Echezeaux and Grands Echezeaux, located nearby, further illustrate the diversity, with Echezeaux typically offering a more approachable character in youth compared to the often denser, more structured wines of Grands Echezeaux.
Tasting across these “climats” provides an invaluable lesson in the influence of terroir, as each wine reflects its unique environmental conditions despite the close proximity of the vineyards.
The Montrachet Mosaic
On the other side of the spectrum, the Montrachet family of vineyards, straddling the villages of Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet, presents a compelling study in the precision of Burgundy’s terroir:
- Montrachet, the crown jewel, commands the highest respect and prices, known for its unparalleled intensity, complexity, and balance.
- Bâtard-Montrachet, directly below Montrachet, offers wines that, while immensely powerful and rich, carry a slightly more approachable character in their youth.
- Chevalier-Montrachet, lying above Montrachet, is celebrated for its finesse and elegance, producing wines with a striking minerality and precision.
- Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet and Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet, though less frequently discussed, contribute to the tapestry with their unique expressions, adding layers of diversity to the prestigious Montrachet lineage.
Organizing a tasting that navigates through these neighboring yet distinctly different “climats” of Montrachet offers a masterclass in the subtleties of Burgundy’s white wines, highlighting how minute differences in soil, elevation, and orientation to the sun can manifest in the glass.
Tasting as an Educational Tool
For investors and connoisseurs alike, such tastings are not merely academic exercises but essential experiences that deepen one’s connection to the wines of Burgundy. They offer insights into the potential investment value and collectability of wines from different “climats,” reinforcing the notion that in Burgundy, the true wealth lies just beneath the surface, in the storied soils of its vineyards.
By focusing on these examples, individuals can cultivate a more nuanced understanding and appreciation of Burgundy’s complex terroir, enhancing both their enjoyment and their ability to make informed decisions in building a Burgundy collection.
Looking Beyond the Label: A Guide to Hidden Gems
While iconic estates like Domaine de la Romanée-Conti command attention and respect, the Burgundy landscape is rich with lesser-known producers who are crafting wines of extraordinary quality. Exploring wines from producers like Sylvain Pataille in Marsannay allows investors to identify undervalued gems with potential for appreciation. Marsannay, often overlooked in favor of more prestigious appellations, represents an exciting frontier for those looking to expand their portfolios with wines that offer both quality and growth potential.
In the prestigious world of Burgundy wines, where names like Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and appellations such as Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune reign supreme, lies a realm of exceptional quality and untapped potential that beckons the astute to look beyond the label.
Beyond the Most Famous Winemakers
While iconic estates command respect and high prices, the true spirit of Burgundy also thrives in its lesser-known producers.
Sylvain Pataille in Marsannay stands out as a beacon for those seeking quality with the promise of appreciation. His commitment to organic farming and minimal intervention in the cellar yields wines that truly express their terroir, making Pataille a symbol of Marsannay’s emerging prestige and a must-have for forward-looking collectors.
Another name deserving attention is Jane Eyre. An Australian winemaker & negotiant based in Burgundy, Eyre has quickly established herself with a range of Pinot Noirs that are garnering acclaim for their elegance, finesse, and approachability. She brings an outsider’s dif
git blended with deep respect for Burgundian traditions, creating wines that resonate with both purists and those seeking a fresh take on Burgundy. Her Beaune Premier Cru Les Bressandes, for example, showcases the delicate balance between power and elegance, capturing the essence of its terroir with a precision that belies the relatively recent establishment of her label.
The stories of Sylvain Pataille and Jane Eyre underscore a broader trend in Burgundy: the rise of winemakers who, though they may not helm centuries-old estates, are crafting wines that challenge and expand the understanding of what this storied region can produce. Their work not only enriches the tapestry of Burgundy wine but also presents new opportunities for investors and collectors to diversify their portfolios with bottles that represent the evolving face of Burgundy—a region revered for its history yet vibrantly alive with innovation.
Beyond the Most Famous Villages of Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits
To provide a comprehensive view on exploring beyond Burgundy’s most famed villages, we’ll dive into two distinct examples that exemplify the diversity and potential of the region’s lesser-known appellations. By focusing on St Romain in the Côte de Beaune and Fixin in the Côte de Nuits, we highlight the unique value and character these areas offer, underscoring the opportunities for discovery and investment.
St Romain: The Overlooked Gem of Côte de Beaune
St Romain, nestled in the hills behind the prestigious vineyards of Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet, offers an enticing combination of quality and value often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors. This village benefits from a cooler climate and higher elevation, contributing to wines with pronounced acidity and freshness, distinctive minerality, and a purity of fruit that speaks to its unique terroir.
Notable Estate: Domaine Henri Prudhon in St Romain stands out for producing expressive, well-balanced wines that capture the essence of this unique microclimate. Their St Romain whites, in particular, showcase a compelling alternative to the more opulent styles found in nearby appellations, offering elegance and sophistication at a more approachable price point.
Fixin: Côte de Nuits’ Hidden Treasure
Fixin, located just north of Gevrey-Chambertin, is often bypassed in favor of its more illustrious southern neighbors. Yet, this village encapsulates the depth and complexity that Côte de Nuits is celebrated for, with the added advantage of accessibility. Fixin produces robust, structured red wines that can rival the intensity and complexity of Gevrey-Chambertin but are typically available at more moderate prices, making them an attractive proposition for collectors and investors looking to uncover value.
Notable Estate: the worldwide acclaimed Domaine Méo-Camuzet holds a small but significant parcel in Fixin, applying the same high standards of viticulture and winemaking that have earned them acclaim across Burgundy. The Fixin from Méo-Camuzet is a testament to the village’s potential, offering a wine with depth, structure, and the capacity to age gracefully, presenting a compelling value proposition.
Conclusion: Embracing the Outsiders
Both St Romain and Fixin exemplify the opportunity that lies in looking beyond the most celebrated appellations of Burgundy. For investors and enthusiasts willing to explore, these villages offer a window into the evolving landscape of Burgundy, where quality and complexity are not confined to the well-trodden paths of Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits’ most prestigious villages.
By investing in the wines of St Romain and Fixin, collectors not only diversify their portfolios with rising stars of Burgundy but also support the broader narrative of excellence and innovation that defines the region. These villages, with their unique climates, terroirs, and dedicated winemakers, stand as a testament to the depth and richness of Burgundy, offering wines that challenge expectations and reward curiosity.
Beyond the Most Renowned Winemaking Regions
Venturing beyond Burgundy’s heartland, the Côte d’Or, uncovers a rich tapestry of winemaking regions that challenge the supremacy of the most renowned areas. The Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais offer landscapes ripe with opportunity, where innovation and value coalesce to shape the future of Burgundy wine.
Côte Chalonnaise: The Unsung Hero
The Côte Chalonnaise, situated south of the Côte de Beaune, is a region brimming with potential. With appellations like Mercurey, Givry, and Rully, it’s home to wines that exhibit remarkable complexity and character, often at prices that belie their quality.
Notable Estate: Domaine François Raquillet in Mercurey stands as a beacon of excellence within the Côte Chalonnaise. The estate’s Mercurey 1er Cru “Les Vasées” is a revelation, offering depth, structure, and a purity of fruit that can rival more prestigious appellations. François Raquillet’s dedication to sustainable viticulture and meticulous winemaking has positioned his wines as exemplars of the region’s potential.
Remarkable Fact: The Côte Chalonnaise has been a cradle for female winemakers making significant impacts in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Names like Lalou Bize-Leroy and Anne-Marie Ninot have not only challenged the status quo but have also elevated the quality and reputation of the region’s wines, proving that excellence knows no gender.
Mâconnais: A Testament to Innovation
Further south lies the Mâconnais, an area best known for its vibrant, expressive Chardonnays, including the world-renowned Pouilly-Fuissé. This region has embraced innovation, with winemakers exploring organic and biodynamic practices, alongside modern winemaking techniques, to express the unique qualities of their terroir.
Notable Estate: Domaine J.A. Ferret in Pouilly-Fuissé has long been a standard-bearer for quality in the Mâconnais. The estate’s Tournant de Pouilly, sourced from a single vineyard, showcases the sublime expression of Chardonnay that can be achieved in this region. Under the stewardship of Audrey Braccini, the estate continues to push the boundaries of excellence.
Remarkable Fact: The Mâconnais region, particularly Pouilly-Fuissé, gained a significant boost in recognition when it was granted Premier Cru status for select vineyards in 2020. This historic decision marked the culmination of a decade-long effort by local producers to showcase the exceptional quality of their wines, underscoring the region’s ascendancy in the global wine market.
The Broader Implications
By looking beyond the most renowned winemaking regions in Burgundy, enthusiasts and investors alike can discover areas ripe with potential. The Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais are not just regions offering value; they are territories where tradition meets innovation, where the dedication of winemakers to their craft continues to elevate the reputation and quality of their wines.
Investing in or collecting wines from these regions supports a narrative of growth and discovery, highlighting the dynamic and evolving nature of Burgundy’s wine landscape. It’s a journey that promises not just financial returns but also the joy of uncovering new favorites that challenge and expand one’s understanding of what Burgundy can offer.
Exploring beyond Burgundy’s most famous winemaking regions uncovers a wealth of quality, innovation, and value. The Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais exemplify the rich diversity and potential within Burgundy, inviting a deeper appreciation for the region’s broader viticultural tapestry.
Beyond Pinot Noir and Chardonnay: Embracing Burgundy’s Diverse Grape Varieties’Palette
While Burgundy’s global reputation has been built on the back of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the region’s viticultural heritage is richer and more varied than many realize. One such example is the reemergence of Bourgogne Aligoté, which is carving out its niche and capturing the interest of both enthusiasts and investors looking for the next big thing in Burgundy.
Bourgogne Aligoté: From Humble Beginnings to Burgundy’s Bold Statement
Once dubbed the “wine of the people” for its abundant yield and modest place at the Burgundian table, Bourgogne Aligoté has emerged from the shadows, challenging the very foundations of Burgundy’s prestigious wine hierarchy. Traditionally relegated to the role of a simple quaffing wine, often mixed with crème de cassis to create the Kir cocktail, Aligoté’s journey is a testament to Burgundy’s capacity for reinvention and surprise.
The Aligoté Revolution
The narrative of Bourgogne Aligoté reads like a Cinderella story, with the grape variety moving from the background—where it was once considered a lesser sibling to the illustrious Chardonnay—to taking center stage, capturing the imagination of winemakers and wine lovers alike. This is not merely a tale of rising to fame; it’s a revolution that’s redefining Burgundy’s wine landscape.
For decades, Aligoté was the underdog, the grape that thrived in Burgundy’s cooler, less favorable sites, producing wines that were brisk and straightforward. It was the drink for everyday meals, far removed from the grandeur of Burgundy’s celebrated Pinots and Chardonnays. Yet, within this humble grape lay hidden potential, a spark that visionaries like Aubert de Villaine of Domaine A. & P. de Villaine in Bouzeron saw and nurtured.
The Renaissance of Aligoté- Bouzeron appellation at the forefront
Today, Aligoté is shedding its image as the “poor man’s white Burgundy,” undergoing a renaissance that’s placing it in the cellars of connoisseurs and on the menus of top restaurants. This transformation has been propelled by a dedicated group of winemakers who believed in Aligoté’s potential to produce expressive, terroir-driven wines. They adopted more attentive viticultural practices and lower yields, treating Aligoté with the respect traditionally reserved for more noble varieties.
The appellation of Bouzeron stands at the forefront of this movement, dedicated exclusively to showcasing the potential of Aligoté. This varietal produces wines characterized by their vibrant acidity, mineral undertones, and refreshing citrus notes, offering a compelling contrast to the more widely planted Chardonnay.
Pioneering Efforts: The renaissance of Aligoté owes much to visionaries like Aubert de Villaine of Domaine A. & P. de Villaine, whose advocacy and passion for the grape have inspired a new generation of winemakers across Burgundy to explore Aligoté’s possibilities. His efforts in Bouzeron have not only elevated the grape to a status it has not seen before but also encouraged a reevaluation of what Burgundy wines can be.
The Strategic Appeal of Aligoté
For those looking to diversify their Burgundy collection or investment portfolio, Aligoté presents a unique opportunity:
- Market Positioning: Aligoté offers an entry point to Burgundy’s world-class wines at more accessible price points, with significant potential for appreciation as the grape gains in prestige and popularity.
- Innovative Pairings: Its profile makes Aligoté a versatile companion to a wide array of dishes, broadening its appeal to a gastronomically adventurous audience and increasing its value to collectors and restaurateurs alike.
- Early Adoption Benefits: Investors and collectors who recognize Aligoté’s rising popularity can position themselves advantageously in a market that’s just beginning to appreciate the grape’s full potential.
Embracing Diversity
By extending their gaze beyond Burgundy’s traditional flagship varietals, aficionados can uncover a world of diversity that challenges preconceptions and enriches the Burgundian experience. Aligoté, with its unique characteristics and growing acclaim, exemplifies the dynamic evolution of the region’s wine landscape.
Exploring beyond Pinot Noir and Chardonnay doesn’t just broaden one’s tasting repertoire—it’s an investment in understanding and appreciating the depth of Burgundy’s viticultural heritage. In doing so, collectors and investors not only enhance their personal collections but also support the innovative spirit that keeps Burgundy at the forefront of the wine world.
Conclusion
For those looking to deepen their Burgundy portfolio, the journey beyond the most celebrated labels is not just a venture into the unknown but a strategic exploration of the region’s evolving landscape. It’s an opportunity to uncover wines that reflect the nuances of Burgundy’s terroir, offer exceptional value, and possess the potential for appreciation. By embracing the diversity of Burgundy—from its lesser-known winemakers and villages to the broader winemaking regions and grape varieties—investors and enthusiasts alike can discover a new dimension of enjoyment and investment potential. This exploration reaffirms that the essence of Burgundy’s allure lies not only in its famed Grand Crus but also in the breadth and depth of its viticultural heritage.
A Practical Guide to Diverse Burgundy Tastings
Exploring Burgundy isn’t just about chasing the famous names; it’s about discovering the full range of what this region has to offer. From the celebrated Grand Crus to the hidden gems of Village appellations, every bottle tells a part of Burgundy’s story.
Key Advice: Mix Up Your Tasting Game
To really get Burgundy, mix it up. Sure, dive into those big-name Grand Crus, but don’t stop there. Try wines from lesser-known spots and different vineyards. Go for both the single-vineyard stars and the blends that give you a taste of the region’s variety. This isn’t just about tasting; it’s about learning. Each wine, from every corner of Burgundy, has something to teach you.
Why do this? Because Burgundy’s more than it’s headlines. There’s quality across the board, and often, the next big thing is just waiting to be discovered. Plus, knowing your way around the whole region makes you a smarter collector and investor. You’ll see potential where others might not, and that’s a real advantage.
In short, keep an open mind and stay curious. Burgundy’s a rich place, full of stories and flavors, and the more you explore, the more you’ll find. So, take this as an invitation to venture beyond the expected paths, to learn, and to find your own Burgundy favorites. It’s a journey worth taking, filled with surprises and rewards at every turn.