Burgundy

Wine has been cultivated in Burgundy since the beginning of our era. The Romans probably planted the first vines in the area. Monks and monasteries have always played a very important role in the development of viticulture in Burgundy.

Until the end of the 18th century the church and the nobility had the majority of vineyards in Burgundy. But after the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789 many large possessions were expropriated. The aristocratic and ecclesiastical vineyards were divided among the population. At the end of the 19th century, virtually all vines were destroyed by the phylloxera epidemic. Followed by a replant of around a quarter of the former vineyards. Today it covers (still fragmentary) some 22,000 hectares of vineyards.

The vineyards of Burgundy are situated on either side of the river Saône, between Auxerre in the north and the city of Mâcon in the south. Mâcon is located approximately 80 kilometers north of Lyon.

The number of planted grape varieties in Burgundy is modest. Almost all wines from the region are made of blue pinot noir and chardonnay white. Apart from the pinot noir are also the gamay, cesar and tressot are planted. Another white grape of the area is the Aligote.

Chablis

Chablis is located just east of the north-western part of Auxerre. The wines here are mainly developed by Cistercian monks from the nearby monastery of Pontigny. The weather in Chablis is quite variable, making the harvest some years much larger than in other years.

Mâcconais

The Mâconnais is the southernmost wine region of Burgundy and Beaujolais borders. The vineyards on the rolling hills benefit from a warm and sunny climate.

Côte de Nuits

The Côte de Nuits owes its name to the town of Nuits-St-Georges. The vineyards of this region are few miles below the large city of Dijon. Here are the best red wines of Burgundy to be found: flavorful and fruity Pinot Noir with hints of red and black berries.

Côte de Beaune

Under the Côte de Nuits, the Côte de Beaune, also named after a city: Beaune. Beaune is the beating heart of this wine region. From the Côte de Beaune, the finest white wines of Burgundy are produced. In addition there are some good red wines.

[+] read more

Burgundy basics

Saint Veran '11

Traditional Chardonnay from Burgundy, powerful and full, soft and creamy with flavors of peach, pear, flowers, almond and a hint of flint

£12,15 per bottle

5=6 Chardonnay L. Couturier '10

A Chardonnay as it should be. Wonderful in the glass with a golden shine. A nose of butter, so typical for a proper withe Burgundy. Added a fresh hint of lime and honey. A mouth well balanced, full and round with a hints of caramel and abricots. The finish is slim and pure.

£8,45 per bottle

Pinot Noir L. Couturier '10

A classical red Burgundy. Fruity nose of cherries, rasberries and blackberries topped with a herby, earthy tone. Juicy and fruity in the mouth, perfectly balanced between fruit and tannins.

£8,45 per bottle

Top wines from Burgundy

Chablis "Beauroy" '10

The best grapes go into the premier cru - rich, fat, slightly chubby, soft and minerally, a powerful wine that could age well for several more years

£13,91 per bottle

Pouilly Fuissé Vieilles Vignes '10

Rich, plump and intense wine, wonderfully spicy with lovely notes of ripe fruit

£15,27 per bottle

Meursault '11

Top Burgundy, very rich and full structure, aged 11 months in oak barrels; nose of vanilla, bread, ripe fruits and butter, in the mouth accents of peach, almond, quince and vanilla

£22,71 per bottle

Wines