Burgundy, or in its native tongue, Bourgogne, is a historic wine province made up of more AOCs than any other part of France. Burgundian winegrowers focus heavily on creating true reflections of their unique and rich terroir…
So with this in mind, we’ve scoured or cellars for some of the most interesting wines that truly champion this terroir-driven wine region. Before we can tell you about these amazing gems here’s some more background on Burgundy.
The earliest historically recorded plantings in the Burgundy region date back the 2nd Century AD, although it is believed the Celts may have been practising viticulture in the area long before this, perhaps even back in the B.C. era.
Much of Burgundy’s wine history comes hand in hand with its religious history – the Roman Catholic Church had an enormous impact on the success of Burgundy as a wine region. By 910, The Benedictines or ‘Black Monks’ had possession over a significant amount of vineyard land and would maintain this ownership for centuries. In 1098, another order of the Roman Catholic Church was established in France – the Cistercians – and their Monastery was situated in Burgundy. This order dedicated themselves to wine and quality viticulture. In 1336, they created the Clos de Vougeot, a prestigious walled vineyard that is still operational today. With such immense dedication to the art of winemaking, the Cistercians soon noticed how vastly different wines could be coming from different growing areas. This was to be the foundation for the later establishment of the Cru titles and the region’s renowned understanding of terroir.
Today, Burgundy resembles the quintessential vision of France. It is romantic and nostalgic – dubbed by some as the land of fine art and living. Life is fun and beautiful, yet without rush, and the locals believe this is down to the excellent food and even better wine.
The region links the Paris Basin to the Saône River corridor, and many of the vineyards are spread over undulating hills and banks. Part of the appeal of Burgundy, and the reason it is home to so many different AOCs, is its soils and lands are so diverse – even within itself. So much so, that even grapes from the same singular vineyard sometimes produce different results.
To learn more about this diverse and stunning wine region, click here.
2010 Domaine Jean Michel Gaunoux Meursault 1er Cru Perrieres
“Perrières might well have been classified as a Grand Cru…” – Jancis Robinson. No truer words can be said about this amazing slice terroir.
2013 Domaine Bertagna Les Cras Blanc
Famously producing this Chardonnay from their Les Cras plot within Vougeot, a rare white wine in this Grand Cru vineyard dominated by Pinot Noir.
2014 Domaine Alain Gras Saint Romain Village Blanc
Powerful and sophisticated nose, with a hint of nuts, toast and vanilla beans. Expressive palate, full and supple. A wine with minerality, an elegant touch of oak, and a beautiful, long finish.
2014 Domaine Pascal Bouchard Chablis Les Clos
Les Clos is the most famous Grand Cru vineyard in Chablis. Displaying a beautiful fragrance, filled with slate and apple, leading to a vibrant, yet rich, mouthful of mineral and citrus flavours.
2015 Domaine Morey-Coffinet Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Cailleret
You can really taste the thin stony soil of the steepest vineyard in Chassagne Vineyard.
2010 Domaine Michel Magnien Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Les Chaffots
Glued to the vast Clos de la Roche, classified Grand Cru, Les Chaffots is a 1er Cru climate of 62 hectares on which the Magnien estate cultivates Pinot Noir. The plot is found on fossiliferous limestones on a steep slope.
2013 Domaine Bertagna Clos de Vougeot
This walled vineyard is overlooked by Clos Blanc De Vougeot Castle. Delicate and nuanced with lingering notes of dark morello cherry.
2014 Domaine Olivier Le Temps des Cerises Santenay Village
Originating from different plots around Santenay, this appellation is known for supple and fruity wines with a beautiful plush mouthfeel.
2014 Domaine Moissenet-Bonnard Pommard 1er Cru Les Charmot
The most feminine of the Domaine’s Pommards, having an alluring, rich character, with dense, silky tannins, a floral note of spicy roses, and a long aftertaste that is delicate and very sensual.
