A Burgundy Fascination

As one of the most revered directors of all time, Alfred Hitchcock certainly knows how to introduce subjects of suspense. In his film ‘Notorious’, the alluring Ingrid Bergman and debonair Cary Grant stars in a spy film-noir theme uncovering a big conspiracy involving wines (Oh, what a sweet treat!). Several shots were noteworthy, but the most intriguing one [and a pivotal scene] would be the Macguffin of the film: a twisted plot of ignorance, romance, and foiling schemes of the enemies inside a cellar!

So why would a simple setting create such a reaction? Well, who would not want to be inside full of stunning fine wines (despite of the fact that the bottles were just all part of the enemy’s plan).

Oh, we forgot to mention that this scene featured shelves full of Burgundy Grand Cru bottles. Heaven!

 

A Quick Background

A lot of wines from France are renowned for its quality and prestige. The French are famous for making a number of impressive wine brands that keeps the standards high for fine wines, such as Maison Louis Latour, a family-owned winery whose innovation and ideas, coupled with long-standing practices has made it one of the respected houses since 1797. Taste their 2015 Louis Latour Meursault [BUY NOW], and see why it is one of the famous wineries of France. 

Burgundy is a wine region located in France and is well-known across the globe. Most people have heard about the word ‘Burgundy’ and even know a thing or two about it. But similar to other topics we’ve talked about, we still want to share some details we know will benefit those who wish to learn more about wines. As it is, we feel that there is a sublime feeling of knowing a little bit more about wines. Plus, we believe it is a great way to get to know other like-minded people.

Burgundy. There are some wine geeks who suggests Burgundy as the concluding place you need to visit when learning more about wines. Well, we say we can always visit now and go back again to Burgundy. After all, wine trails are always a fascinating experience. You get to learn new stuff every time you visit.

Burgundy wines may be classified into three simple groups: red Burgundy wines are 100% made from Pinot noir grapes, while Burgundy wines 100% made from Chardonnay grapes, while a third group of wines are made from Gamay grapes located in Beaujolais.

Some people would immediately recall or associate the word ‘Burgundy’ to a red wine or a white wine. However, it is focal to understand that Burgundy, at closer inspection, has a lot to do with its environment and land. Each fruit or vegetable from this place is affected and is a direct result of man tending to the terroir, just like the variety of grapes planted, cultivated, and harvested in here.

The terroir makes Burgundy wines a gem to have in your cellar and wines from this region are one of the best fine wines that has definite merit when acquired.

In fact, because of this, there are further classification of Burgundy wines (based on slope locations) within each vineyard. Grand Cru are Burgundy wines made from grapes planted on the middle of the slope. It is the top-most tier that only 2% of all Burgundy vineyards has this label on their products. Next would be the Premier Cru. The grapes used for this classification are those harvested on the higher slope and are of stellar quality as well. They make up 12% of all vineyards in the region.

Village Wines are the next classification and it is where you’ll find the best excellent Burgundy wines for a great price, such as 2014 Domaine Prieuré Roch Ladoix Le Clou [BUY NOW] or 2014 René Bouvier Gevrey-Chambertin La Justice [BUY NOW]. Signifying 36% of the region’s vineyards, wines from this category are sourced from different vineyards from one villages across Burgundy. There are 42 villages in the region. Last would be the Regional Wines, where stunning drink-now wines can be found. The difference between Village and Regional wines is that the latter is sourced from several villages across the place instead of just one.

Appreciating Burgundy is actually tasting it (Like with any other wines that is). Here are some Burgundy wines for that authentic taste of its terroir.

2015 Le Domaine D'henri Chablis St. Pierre [BUY NOW]

From grapes with an age of between 25 and 30 years. Made entirely of fruit and terroir with minimal influence of oak. The St. Pierre presents a very mineral and pure chardonnay expression. Very pure in the aroma with citrus, ripe apple and the typical Chablis minerality. The taste is wonderfully refreshing with a light-silver test. Great to drink young, but also has the potential to be imposed for several years (Translated from Dutch).

2014 Domaine Bachelet-Monnot Puligny-Montrachet [BUY NOW]

The 2014 Puligny-Montrachet Village comes from 14 parcels and had a more introspective, teritary nose than the Meursault Clos du Cromin. The palate is bright and vivacious on the entry with hints of peach and pear, good acidity …” - Neal Martin

2014 Louis Latour Aloxe-Corton Domaine Latour [BUY NOW]

This is light-footed, boasting cherry, tobacco and woodsy flavors. Firm tannins shore this up, leaving a compact, astringent finish. Best from 2018 through 2023. 1,130 cases made.

Want more Burgundy wines? Visit our Buy Now store to see all available wines.

By Bidvino Customer Service