About 200 million years ago, what is now the Burgundy wine region was part of a vast, tropical sea. Time transformed the seabed into limestone soils. These soils are the secret behind the zesty minerality that is the hallmark of Burgundy wines. Chunks of limestone or marl (limestone mixed with clay) can still be found in the vineyards today. Winemaking goes back to the Romans in the 1st century AD, but it was the Catholic monks that really established the vineyards in the Middle Ages. They grew the grapes for the church and the aristocratic Dukes of Burgundy. The French Revolution returned the vineyards to the people.
The French Wine region of Burgundy (aka “Bourgogne”) may be small in size, but its influence is huge in the world of vin. The primary focus of Burgundy’s production is Pinot Noir for Bourgogne Rouge and Chardonnay for Bourgogne Blanc. Home to some of the most expensive wines in the known universe, there are also tasty and affordable wines. We will sample three:
Jean-Marc Brocard Bourgogne Blanc Aligoté 2022 — Aligoté is Burgundy’s “other” white grape, more rarely encountered than Chardonnay; it tends to yield light, citrusy wines. It is also the traditional base ingredient for the Kir cocktail (made with crème de cassis). Born in 1946 and from a family of farmers, Jean-Marc Brocard followed his own path to work in the vineyard and the wine industry. He planted his first vines in Préhy (in the northwestern part of Burgundy), in 1973. The nose is fresh with citrus notes accompanied with mineral touches. On the palate, a lively wine, lemony, spicy, delicately fruity and thirst-quenching wine. 12% ABV. $25.99/8.50
Marie-Pierre Manciat Mâcon Morizottes Chardonnay 2021 — Marie-Pierre Manciat was born into a family of vignerons that have been making wine since 1871. From a very young age, she spent her school vacations in the cellars and vineyards, soaking up knowledge and experience, all of which helped her when she took over the reins of her family’s estate in 2002 and became a sixth-generation winemaker. Mâcon is in southern Burgundy. Light yellow in color with a golden tint. Nose of fresh citrus fruits with vanilla. Dry on the palate, fruit forward and spicy. Medium plus in body with medium acidity. Creamy and smooth. Showing citrus, red and yellow apples, black pepper, limes, spices, vanilla, earth and light herbs. Spicy finish with peppercorn and limes. 13% ABV. $34/11.50
Isabelle et Denis Pommier Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2022 — This couple of winegrowers started from almost nothing in 1990 when they decided to take over two hectares of family land and launch their own wine production. They received the title of best chardonnay in the world in 2012. This Pinot Noir is an atypical vintage among the wines of Isabelle and Denis Pommier — the estate well-known to Chablis lovers surprises with this 100% red Burgundy. The winery and vineyards are located in and around the village of Poinchy, which is just outside of Chablis. The PN offers notes of cherries and black berries mixed with touches of cigar and tobacco. Well-concentrated on the palate with notes of red fruits; precise with fine and barely present tannins and a long finish. 14% ABV. $40/13.50
See you Friday!