A region as historic as it is prestigious, Burgundy is known for its 600 “climats” (plots of vines), but also for its great single-varietal wines. We often think of Chardonnay for whites and Pinot Noir for reds, but you will discover that they are not the only ones. Focus on the grape varieties of this great French wine region.
Chardonnay (51% of the vineyard)
Chardonnay is the main grape variety in Burgundy, used to produce the region's great white wines. Depending on its production area, but also on the aging of the wine (in vats, in oak barrels), it will be able to offer a unique typicity.
For example, in Chablis, the very chalky terroir and fairly short aging periods will give the wines a lot of freshness and tension, with often iodized aromas. This is the case of the Chablis 1er Cru Côte de Léchet from Domaine Barat , taut and mineral.
On the other hand, when we go down to one of its sacred lands, the Côte de Beaune, the terroir here is more clayey-limestone, and the aging in oak barrels often longer. We will then find in the wines aromas of fresh butter and toasted bread, and in the mouth this famous "fat" coming from the aging on lees, without lacking freshness. The Beaune Lulune from Armand Heitz is a very good example, with a remarkable balance.
Very developed today, Chardonnay is an easy grape variety to produce and which can give significant yields. But when these yields are controlled, as is the case in Burgundy, it can give very great white wines, which can be kept for several years in the cellar. This Meursault 2000 from Domaine Rougeot-Dupin is the perfect illustration.
Pinot Noir (39.5% of the vineyard)
Another king grape variety in Burgundy is Pinot Noir, which is the maker of the region's great red wines. It is said to be one of the oldest grape varieties in French vineyards.
It is a grape variety that is capable of producing high-quality wines, renowned for their finesse and silky tannins. In regional appellations, such as the Bourgogne Pinot Noir from Domaine Louis Chenu , we will find its typical aromas of cherry and sweet spices, with a fresh mouth and supple tannins. But Pinot Noir, despite its lightness, is also characterized by its aging potential. Take for example, this Pommard 2004 from Domaine Marc Alexandre , which shows a lot of depth and great complexity.
“An iron fist in a velvet glove” perfectly sums up the idea of the great red Burgundy wines produced from Pinot Noir.
Aligoté (6% of the vineyard)
Aligoté is often wrongly associated with average quality and the famous Kir, a cocktail made from a clever blend of crème de cassis and Aligoté white wine. However, this grape variety was historically the great white grape variety of Burgundy, before Chardonnay took its place.
It gives notes of white flowers, citrus fruits and apple, and is endowed with great vivacity. It is found throughout the region under the appellation Bourgogne Aligoté, where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have not found their place.
It nevertheless stands out in the heart of 2 appellations. Bouzeron, thanks to the work of Aubert De Villaine (co-owner of the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti) and his nephew, which is the only communal appellation where Aligoté is the only grape variety authorized in the composition of wines. It finds here a very particular expression with a beautiful complexity and aromas of hazelnut. Also, it is often ignored but the 1er Cru Les Monts Luisants de Morey-Saint-Denis is the only premier cru that can be produced from Aligoté, thanks to old vines planted in 1911.
Gamay (2.5% of the vineyard)
A descendant of Pinot Noir, Gamay has always been present in Burgundy, but was gradually pushed out towards Beaujolais in favor of its big brother.
It gives typical aromas of fresh red fruits, blackcurrant and spices. It is generally not very tannic, but very aromatic and delicious. It is mainly found in the south of Burgundy and in the Maconnais appellations. It is also used in the production of Côteaux-Bourguignons and Bourgogne Passetoutgrain where it is blended with Pinot Noir.
Other Burgundy grape varieties (1% of the vineyard)
In the north of Burgundy, we can also cultivate 2 other grape varieties. Sauvignon Blanc, which allows the production of Saint-Bris. As for the Irancy appellation, we find César, a black grape variety, often quite structured which can complete the blend with Pinot Noir.
Finally, much more rarely present, but interesting to note, Pinot Blanc and Sacy, 2 white grape varieties, which can be used in the composition of Côteaux-Bourguignons and Crémants de Bourgogne.
Leave a comment