Famed for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Burgundy, or Bourgogne in French, holds a place of honor in the world of wine. The eastern French region is renowned for its unique terroir, its elegant, complex wines, and its intricate classification system rooted in centuries of winemaking tradition. While the vast array of vineyards and producers may appear overwhelming, a guided exploration of this region can offer enlightening insights into its wines’ captivating depth and diversity.
This article delves into ten fundamental aspects of Burgundy wine, from understanding the region’s geography and appellations, the key grape varieties, the significance of wine labels, the impact of vintages, to recommendations on aging, serving, and pairing these exquisite wines. By understanding these facets of Burgundy, you will be well-equipped to navigate and appreciate the region’s remarkable wines.
1. The Burgundy Region
Burgundy, or Bourgogne in French, is located in eastern France. It’s a region steeped in tradition with a history of winemaking dating back over 2000 years. The cool, continental climate and diverse soils make it ideal for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the region’s most famous grape varieties.
Burgundy is divided into five main sub-regions: Chablis, Côte d’Or (which is further divided into Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune), Côte Chalonnaise, Mâconnais, and Beaujolais. Each of these regions has its unique terroir and wine styles, contributing to Burgundy’s remarkable diversity.
2. Red Burgundy Wines
Red Burgundy wines are almost exclusively made from Pinot Noir. They are revered for their elegance, complex aromas, and ability to express terroir. Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned grape variety that produces wines with lighter body and color, high acidity, and moderate tannin levels.
The flavor profile of red Burgundy can vary greatly depending on the specific terroir, but common descriptors include red fruit (strawberry, cherry, raspberry), florals, earth, and spice. With age, these wines can develop complex notes of game, truffle, and dried fruit.
3. White Burgundy Wines
White Burgundy is primarily made from Chardonnay. These wines can range from lean and mineral-driven in Chablis to rich and buttery in the Côte de Beaune, where oak aging is more prevalent. Chardonnay from Burgundy is known for its balance, with high acidity providing a counterpoint to the ripe fruit flavors.
In addition to Chardonnay, Aligoté is also grown in Burgundy. Although less renowned, Aligoté wines can offer good value, known for their crisp acidity and floral, citrusy character.
4. Burgundy Classifications
The classification system in Burgundy is complex but central to understanding the region. It’s based on the concept of “terroir” and the belief that the vineyard’s location is the primary factor influencing a wine’s quality. The classifications, from highest to lowest, are: Grand Cru, Premier Cru, Village, and Regional.
Grand Cru wines represent the pinnacle of quality, produced from the most esteemed vineyards. Premier Cru is the next tier down, followed by Village wines (named after the village where the grapes are sourced), and finally Regional wines, which can be sourced from anywhere in Burgundy.
5. Burgundy Vintages
As Burgundy has a cool, continental climate, it is subject to vintage variation. Factors like frost, hail, and rainfall can greatly influence a year’s grape quality and yield. Consequently, Burgundy wines from the same vineyard and producer can vary significantly from year to year.
Some of the best recent vintages for Burgundy include 2005, 2009, 2010, and 2015. However, in lesser vintages, skilled winemakers can still produce excellent wines, though they may not have the same aging potential.
6. Understanding Burgundy Labels
Reading a Burgundy wine label can provide valuable insight into the wine inside the bottle. The producer’s name is prominently displayed, along with the classification (e.g., Grand Cru) and the name of the vineyard or village. If it’s a Village wine, the name of the specific vineyard may also be included, usually after the village name.
For example, a label stating “Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses” means the wine is from the Les Amoureuses vineyard in the Chambolle-Musigny village. If the label also includes “Premier Cru” or “Grand Cru,” it indicates the quality status of the vineyard.
7. Aging Burgundy Wine
Many top-quality Burgundy wines, particularly those from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards, are made to age. Over time, these wines evolve and develop complex secondary and tertiary flavors. A well-aged Burgundy can offer an exquisite tasting experience.
However, not all Burgundy wines need long-term aging. Many Regional and Village wines are made in a more accessible style intended for earlier drinking. These wines can provide a great introduction to the region’s typical flavors.
8. Burgundy Wine Pricing
Burgundy is known for its high prices, particularly for its Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines. These wines are highly sought after for their quality and the limited quantities produced. Certain iconic producers, like Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Domaine Leroy, command particularly high prices.
However, there are also many affordable Burgundy wines that deliver great value. Look for wines from lesser-known villages or the regional appellation. Also, wines from the Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais often offer good value.
9. Serving Burgundy Wine
The serving temperature is crucial for enjoying Burgundy wines. Red Burgundies are best served slightly cool, around 60-65°F (16-18°C), while white Burgundies should be served chilled, at about 50-55°F (10-13°C).
Decanting can benefit many red Burgundies, especially younger, high-quality wines with strong tannins or aged wines with sediment. Decanting allows the wine to aerate, softening the tannins and allowing the aromas to open up.
10. Food Pairings with Burgundy Wine
Burgundy wines are known for their excellent food-pairing versatility. Red Burgundies pair well with dishes like roasted chicken, duck, grilled salmon, and mushroom-based dishes. The high acidity and moderate tannins allow the wine to balance the flavors without overpowering them.
White Burgundies pair well with a variety of seafood, poultry, and cream-based dishes. Richer, oak-aged whites can stand up to more flavorful dishes like lobster or roast chicken, while leaner styles like Chablis are excellent with oysters or fresh goat cheese.
Here are some useful links related to Burgundy (Bourgogne):
- Burgundy Wines Official Website: The official website of Burgundy wines provides comprehensive information about the region, its vineyards, winemaking techniques, and appellations. It is an excellent resource for exploring the terroir and understanding the unique characteristics of Burgundy wines.
- Website: https://www.bourgogne-wines.com/
- Bourgogne Tourism: The official tourism website of Burgundy offers insights into the region’s attractions, wine routes, events, and recommended wineries to visit. It provides valuable information for planning a trip to Burgundy and exploring its rich cultural and gastronomic heritage.
- The Burgundy Wine Route: The Burgundy Wine Route is a renowned itinerary that takes you through the vineyards and picturesque villages of Burgundy. The official website offers maps, suggested routes, and information about wineries, cellars, and wine-related activities along the route.
- Wine Spectator’s Burgundy Guide: Wine Spectator, a respected wine publication, provides a dedicated guide to Burgundy wines. It features articles, reviews, and ratings of Burgundy producers, vineyards, and vintages. The guide offers valuable insights and recommendations for exploring the wines of Burgundy.
- Decanter’s Burgundy Section: Decanter, another prominent wine publication, offers a dedicated section for Burgundy. It provides articles, news, expert opinions, and tasting notes on Burgundy wines. The section covers various aspects of Burgundy, including producers, terroir, vintages, and wine styles.
