Burgundy (Bourgogne in French) is famous around the globe for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir cultivated on exceptional terroir. A year ago, I spent a week in Bourgogne visiting and learning more about many of its appellations, tasting a range of wines from grand chateaux to those from small family wineries and pairing wines in an array of price points with regional foods. Each person I met was proud of their heritage and the wines produced. As you may imagine, I didn’t want to leave!
A small region in east-central France, Bourgogne is about 230km from the north to the south. Fewer than 30K hectares are under vine and account for barely 4% of all French AOCs. Across Bourgogne, there are 84 flagship appellations, most of which enjoy an international reputation. There are five winegrowing areas: Chablis & Auxerrois, Côte de Nuits & Hautes-Côtes de Nuits, Côte de Beaune & Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise & Couchois and Maconnais. Many think that most wines produced in Bourgogne are red, Pinot Noir. Yet, they’re only 29% of the total! White wines of Chardonnay and to some extent Aligoté, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Blanc comprise the majority – at 60%. A sparkling wine, Crémant de Bourgogne, has been reaping more accolades and the style makes up 11% of the production. For more about Bourgogne, read my article “Kick Start Your Trip to Bourgogne with a Quick Primer to the Essentials” here.
Many are surprised that only a small number of wines from Bourgogne actually find their way to the United States market. The demand in the United States has always been high, but the supply is often not. Why? Unpredictable weather during the growing season and pandemic related issues (supply chain snafus, bottle and packaging shortages, etc.) are just a few reasons.
It would be reasonable to think, then, that all wines from Bourgogne are budget-breakers, right? But that’s not the case. The key to finding affordable wines is to identify and research different appellations and quality producers who offer budget friendly wines within their portfolio.
And you’re in luck! On November 18 and 19, members of #Winophiles, a group of wine writers who love all-things-French, are publishing their discoveries of affordable Bourgogne wines on their own websites with links to their colleagues’ finds, too.
On Saturday, November 19 at 8am Pacific/11am Eastern a twitter chat is scheduled to share our findings. Just in time for the holidays, this will be a perfect way to explore wines from Bourgogne and keep your budget in check! You’re invited to mark your calendar and join us for the conversation!
If you have a website and would like to share a few affordable wines from Bourgogne, please do!
Email me at cindy@grape-experiences.com no later than Monday, November 14 with the title of your article and link to your website.
Publish the article on Friday, November 18 or on Saturday, November 19 by 8am Pacific.
Then, join the twitter chat by using #winophiles at 8am Pacific.
I look forward to reading your articles and talking with you on Twitter on November 19. I hope you can join us.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
If you have time for one more article, enjoy my delicious food and wine findings, “When in Bourgogne, Dine in Beaune – 4 Noteworthy Restaurants.” Please click here.
