How fast everything changes in this world! Some twenty years ago we could only read about the wines of Burgundy among the pre-revolutionary classics. Now in any large supermarket or restaurant there is a fairly large selection of these world famous drinks. True, during the decades of Soviet rule in Russia, cultural traditions associated with French wines have been lost. Therefore, now their inquisitive fans have to fill in the knowledge gaps in this area themselves.
Not a wine region at all
Burgundy, the historical region of France, the world owes a lot. Indeed, photography, cinema, reading CD heads were invented here, Gustav Eiffel was born here . Gourmets appreciate Burgundy for Dijon mustard, gingerbread, Creme de Cassis liqueur and, of course, first-class wines.
Although in all respects this geographical region, it would seem, is completely unsuitable for winemaking. Nevertheless, according to Denis Du Bordier, professor of oenology, great wines appear on the border of a cold and warm climate. And Burgundy in this regard can be considered a good example.
Soil and climatic factors and weather conditions in the region constantly challenge local winemakers. Some of them even have to use heat generators in their vineyards. Thus, Burgundy wines are the result of selfless work and the love of local people for their land.
Glorious traditions
Despite the difficult climatic conditions, winemaking in Burgundy has been practiced for a long time. A significant role in the development of this branch of agriculture was made by the abbeys of the Benedictines and Cistercians. In the Middle Ages, the monks not only bred some of the currently known grape varieties, but also developed many methods of winemaking. In other words, Burgundy is not least indebted to world fame for the inventive holy fathers.
For a long time, the products of local winemakers were supplied only to the French market. It began to be imported in small quantities only a few centuries ago. Burgundy wine first came to Russia in the 16th century. and was called "Romanesia."
Modern production
Today, the capital of the region is the city of Bon. Burgundy itself cannot be called a major producer of alcoholic beverages. Only 3% of French commercial wines are produced here. At the same time, 70% of the harvest harvested by 4200 producers is bottled by 150 merchants.
Winery estates are called propriet or domaines. If the vineyard is the property of one owner, then on the wine label you can find the designation Monopole.
Burgundy is the northernmost European region where decent red wines are produced. The main grape varieties used to produce both red and white wine are as follows:
- Pinot noir.
- Chardonnay.
- Game.
- Aligote.
- Sauvignon Blanc.
Systematization of the great wines of Burgundy
The first classification of the region was carried out in 1861. However, after the introduction of a nationwide appellation system in 1935, the systematization of Burgundy wines was changed. Appellation means the geographical area where the grapes were grown, as well as the established rules for the production of wine.
Today, the best vineyards in the region are called Grand Cru and Premier Cru. They are followed by regional or community appeals. Sparkling Burgundy wines have their own name - Cremant de Bourgogne .
The most famous regional appellations, where about 64% of all Burgundy wines are produced, include:
- Bourgogne Aligote.
- Macon Villages.
- Coteaux Bourguignons.
In Burgundy there are several large wine-making subregions:
- Chablis and Gran Oxerrois.
- Cote de Beaune.
- Cote de Nuits.
- Chatillone.
- Macon.
- Cote Chalonez and Koshua.
It is here that most of the best wines of Burgundy are produced, which we will meet below.
Chablis
This subregion is probably the most famous in Russia since the 18th century. Usually, dry wines with characteristic mineral tones are produced here, since the soils of Chablis are rich in limestone. Four appellations produce 23% of all Burgundy wines:
- Petit Chablis is best consumed two years after harvesting as an aperitif.
- Chablis appellation wine is recommended to be drunk after 2-3 years. They go well with almost all dishes.
- At the top 40 sites in Chablis, Premier Cru is used to grow grapes, from which they later produce wine that is best suited for fish or seafood salads.
- And finally, Chablis Grand Cru appellation, which produces the region’s most expensive alcoholic beverages . So, at a Stockholm auction in 2011, 12 bottles of Chablis Le Clo Grand Cru of the 1983 crop were sold for 3 thousand dollars.
For wines from Chablis, the harvest year is of great importance. According to experts, the best in this regard are the Millesimes of 2002, 2005 and 2010.
Cote de Beaune
Wines produced in this subregion are exported to many countries. For example, Monrache with a light nutty flavor is considered, and not without reason, one of the best in the world. He was appreciated by Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Dumas, and today a box of this white wine from Burgundy (harvest 1990) was sold at Sotheby's for $ 62,000.
The prosperous commune of Merceau cultivates mainly Chardonnay. Wines are produced here since Christmas 1098, that is, almost a thousand years. Oenologists, experts in the field of winemaking, give them an unexpected characteristic: oily, fleshy and with a rich taste.
In addition to whites, red wines are also produced in the Côte de Beaune subregion. Appelason Pommar is known for its strong, structured Pinot Noir wines. On the contrary, elegant, refined alcoholic beverages are produced from it in the appellation Volne.
Cote de Nuits
13% of Burgundy wines are bottled here. They are distinguished by deep color and delicate taste. Wines from Côte de Nuits were loved by Napoleon Bonaparte and Charles de Gaulle. Even relatively young drinks in this region cause a stir among connoisseurs. For example, in 2012, six bottles of the 2005 harvest were sold at Christie's auction for $ 20,000.
Despite the fact that the monopoly possession of La Romane is one of the smallest appellations in France, the wines produced here are considered the most expensive and rare in the world. And no wonder, because only 300 boxes are produced per year.
Neighboring Romanes-Conti is famous for having once been owned by Prince de Conti, who fought for the right to own it with the Marquise de Pompadour, the favorite of Louis XV. Today, the products of this monopoly vineyard are valued very highly. So, in 2013, a record amount of $ 1.6 million was paid for the Romane-Conti wine collection (114 bottles).
Macon
This is the largest and at the same time the most southern wine-making subregion of Burgundy. Almost 80% of its territory is occupied by the classic Chardonnay vineyards. The traditions of white wine production have deep roots in Macon. The first local winemakers can be considered the monks of the Abbey of Cluny, founded in 909.
Beaujolais
The young Beaujolais sparkling drink has gained truly worldwide fame after, starting in 1951, a celebration is organized annually in his honor. And today, at the end of November, wine from a new crop is tasted not only in France, but also in other countries. For example, in Russia officially the festival of young wine has been celebrated since 1999.
Beaujolais Nouveau is a red wine from Burgundy that is produced in an amount of approximately 40 million bottles per year. Oddly enough, the Japanese are the world leaders in its consumption. They drink about a third of the total crop.
The popularity of Beaujolais Nouveau is logical, since a noble drink is distinguished by freshness, pleasant softness and the ability to quench thirst well.
Eno etiquette
Professionals assure that wine should be drunk from glasses specially designed for a drink of a particular variety. So their multifaceted aroma is fully revealed.
Burgundy wine glasses have a volume of about 700 ml and resemble a large apple in shape. Due to the wide contact area of the drink with oxygen, its various taste notes interact as much as possible, fully revealing aroma and exquisite taste. At the same time, the increased acidity of Burgundy wines is offset by the wide rim of the glass.