Choosing a Burgundy wine can seem a daunting task, given the diversity of appellations, terroirs and producers. In this article, we'll guide you through the essential steps for selecting the ideal Burgundy wine for your tastes and occasions.
What are Burgundy's main appellations ?
Burgundy is renowned for its prestigious wines and varied appellations. Here are some of the most important :
Chablis : Known for its dry, mineral white wines made from Chardonnay.
Côte de Nuits : Renowned for its robust, elegant red wines made from Pinot Noir.
Côte de Beaune : Famous for its Chardonnay whites and Pinot Noir reds.
Côte Chalonnaise : Offers affordable, quality wines, with appellations such as Mercurey and Givry.
Mâconnais : This region produces mainly white wines, notably Pouilly-Fuissé.
To find out more about Burgundy appellations, visit the Vins de Bourgogne website.
Red wine
How to recognize the different terroirs of Burgundy ?
Terroir plays a crucial role in the quality and character of Burgundy wines. Soil, climate and altitude influence vines and grapes. In Burgundy, there are three main types of terroir :
Calcareous and marly soils : These give wines with great minerality, often found in the Côte de Nuits and Chablis appellations.
Clay soils : Produce richer, more powerful wines, like those of the Côte de Beaune.
Granitic soils : Found in the Mâconnais region, they favor fruity, rounded white wines.
To deepen your knowledge of Burgundy terroirs, this article is an excellent resource.
Grapes
Which grape varieties to choose in Burgundy ?
In Burgundy, two grape varieties dominate :
Pinot Noir : Used for red wines, this variety produces elegant wines with aromas of red fruit, flowers and sometimes undergrowth.
Chardonnay : Used for white wines, it produces wines ranging from mineral and sharp (Chablis) to bold and complex (Côte de Beaune).
Other less common varieties include Aligoté (for fresh, light white wines) and Gamay (mainly in the Mâconnais region).
How to read a Burgundy wine label ?
The label on a Burgundy wine provides crucial information. Here's what to look out for :
Appellation : Indicates the precise region where the wine was produced (e.g. Pommard, Gevrey-Chambertin).
Vintage : The year of harvest, which can affect the quality of the wine depending on the climatic conditions of that year.
Producer : Name of the estate or winemaker, important for assessing the wine's quality and reputation.
Classification level : In Burgundy, wines can be classified as Grands Crus, Premiers Crus, Villages or Régionales.
To understand in detail how to decipher a label, this video can help you.
Domaine Pillot wine Label
How do you determine the quality of a Burgundy wine ?
Plusieurs critères permettent d’évaluer la qualité d’un vin de Bourgogne :
Color : The color of a wine can indicate its age and style. Younger reds will have a bright ruby color, while older wines will be more tile-like.
Nose : The aromas released by the wine. A good Burgundy wine should offer aromatic complexity, with notes of fruit, flowers, spices and sometimes undergrowth.
Mouth : The balance between acidity, tannins (for reds) and alcohol. A good wine will have a long, harmonious finish.
Observe your wine before tasting it
How to store and serve Burgundy wine ?
Proper storage and service are essential to fully appreciate a Burgundy wine :
Storage : Keep your bottles in a cool place (12-14°C), away from light and temperature variations. A wine cellar is ideal.
How to serve : Burgundy red wines are best served slightly chilled (15-17°C), and whites between 10 and 12°C. Remember to aerate young reds by opening them an hour before tasting, or by using a decanter.
For more tips on storage and service, this article is very informative.
Wine cellar
By following these tips, you'll be able to choose a fine Burgundy wine that will delight your taste buds and those of your guests. Don't hesitate to explore, taste and appreciate the richness of the wines from this exceptional region.
Discover our house "Les Coquelicots" and our charming apartment in Beaune, perfect base for tasting and appreciating the delicious wines of Burgundy.
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