The reputation for sky-high Burgundy wine prices may have you thinking that you can't afford to drink this cult region. On the contrary, Burgundy has always been accessible to casual drinkers with a wide range of wines for every budget. Of the average 1.45 million hectolitres produced annually in Bourgogne, 52% are regional appellations, 47% are village (including Premier Cru) and just 1% are Grand Cru appellations. *Source: Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB)
Here's what to look out for when you're budgeting for your next Burgundy night.
Aligoté
While Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the most prevalent grapes permitted in Grand Cru and Premier Cru areas, the white grape Aligoté represents another facet of Burgundy that is grown in other parts. More and more winemakers are discovering its high acid, floral and herbal charms.
Chablis
Speaking of white wine, Chablis is where to hunt for the purest Chardonnay in Burgundy, seeing as no other grape variety is permitted here. The cool climate and clay-limestone soils give rise to some of the most crisp and textured Chardonnays - which you can find at a steal, even the ones planted on Premier Cru terroir.
Best Value Villages
Village wines are the third tier in the Burgundy appellation system, and this is where you can hunt for the best value bottles in the style that you enjoy. Even in the Côtes de Beaune where the most expensive wines are found, appellations like the Pommard strive to produce approachable wines to enjoy now.
And in the Côtes de Nuits, you can look out for Gevrey-Chambertin and Nuits-St-Georges, which are often associated with plump, fruity finds from the likes of top producers Faiveley and Remoissenet. Enjoy these great-value burgs whilst stocks last!
