How to Choose Burgundy Wines

As is known, Bordeaux wines are the heartthrob in the wine industry, while Burgundy wines are the little lover. Mostly their reds are made from Pinot Noir and whites are produced from Chardonnay. How to choose one that meets your needs? Please follow below steps.

• Level

From high to low: Grand Cru—Premier Cru—Village—Regional

Grapes used by Grand Cru are from 33 top vineyards, e.g. La Tache and Richebourg, etc. Annual production amount is only 1% as of all Burgundy wine production amounts.  We carry 2008 Follin Arbelet Corton Bressandes, Grand Cru.

Premier Cru is not as expensive as Grand Cru, but it is still with high quality, e.g. Les Amoureuses and Clos Saint Jacques, etc. There are over 600 vineyards in this level, and annual wine production is around 10%.

Village wines are mostly from those unleveled vineyards, and some are from downgrades from Grand Cru or Premier Cru. It tastes fresh and rich fruit flavor.

Regional wines are the largest amount among all Burgundy, inexpensive in price, light tastes and suitable for daily aperitifs.

• Sub-Region

Burgundy is divided into five wine regions, Chablis, Cote de Nuits, Cote de Beaune, Cote Chalonnaise and Maconnais.

Main red wine regions are Cote de Nuits, Cote de Beaune, Cote Chalonnaise.

Main white wine regions are Chablis, Cote de Beaune, Cote Chalonnaise and Maconnais. E.g. 2014 BILLAUD-SIMON Chablis 1er Cru Les Vaillons, 2006 Aurelien Verdet Hautes Côtes de Nuits Le Prieure