As the weather gets a little cooler, there’s no better time to bring out the Burgundy wine. Where can you find the best Burgundy wine? France, of course.
According to Atout France/The France Tourism Development Agency, Burgundy’s rich heritage has produced some of the world’s best wine. Standards are strict and vineyards are monitored by the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC), an organization that rates and assures quality products. Nuits-Saint-George, Pommard, and Chambolle-Musigny are among the most famous producers of French Burgundy wine.
Three grapes that dominate in the French region of Bourgogne? Pinot Noir, Gamay and Chardonnay, of course. Because of these generous grapes, combined with Burgundy’s climate through the ages, French Burgundy wines are prized for their flavor and priced accordingly. Clos Vougeot costs anywhere from $80 to $100. Some Burgundy wines even command five-figures.
Ready to taste some sensational French Burgundy wine? You’re in luck: French Burgundy wines are readily available at your local wine supplier and grocery store. Shop online or join a Wine Club for deals and discounts. Pay particular attention to the 2005 vintages. Check out these great Top 10 Burgundy Wines from France. Sure to become your personal favorites.
2005 Bouchard Aine et Fils Gevrey-Chambertin
Country: France
Region: Cote de Nuits, Burgundy
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2005
Price: Varies
Gevrey-Chambertin is a lovely, world-class village in the heart of the Côte de Nuits, well regarded for its great red wines. This 2005 Burgundy vintage offers Pinot Noir at its complex and balanced best.
2005 Boillet Louis Gevrey Chambertin
Country: France
Region: Cote de Nuits, Burgundy
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2005
Price: $65
Lovely Villages wine, a Pinot Noir with rich, dark berry fruit, full flavor. Highly rated and recommended. Perfect for your next dinner party. French Burgundy wine at its best.
2005 Burguet Alain Gevrey Chambertin Billard
Country: France
Region: Cote de Nuits, Burgundy
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2005
Price: $70
Try this Burguet Gevrey Chambertin. Beautiful aroma, velvety texture, with a long finish. Another lovely Villages wine, with great depth and sophistication. A great value, too.
2005 Damoy Chambertin
Country: France
Region: Cote de Nuits, Burgundy
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2005
Price: $345
Check out this interesting, Pinot Noir. Excellent choice for your wine cellar. Deep, dark, complex, and great texture. A home run for your dinner party in the years to come. Highly recommended and rated. A little pricey, but will be well worth it in the long run.
2005 Drouhin Charmes Chambertin
Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2005
Price: $190
Toasty, warm and crushed berry aromas. Generous yet refined taste. Another good choice for the wine cellar. Delicious and built to last for more than a decade. Highly recommended and rated. A value for the complex flavor. French Burgundy wine at its most delicious.
2004 Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain
Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2004
Price: $99
Doesn’t sound like a French wine? Indeed, it is. Howell Mountain is a deeply dense, rich Cabernet. Beautiful flavor, aroma and texture. Very special wine. A must for your French Burgundy wine collection.
2005 Faiveley Gevrey Chambertin Cazetieres
Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2005
Price: $99
Excellent, complex black cherry, plum, chocolate and mineral flavors. Time is on its side. Make sure this Burgundy wine has a special place in your French Burgundy wine collection.
2005 Forey Morey St. Denis ‘Pre Cru
Country: France
Region: Cote de Nuits, Burgundy
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2005
Price: $80
Definitely a Premier Cru. Lush aromatics, raspberry palate, and a dark, peppery finish. Perfect for your dinner parties in the years to come. A great French Burgundy wine.
1990 Guyon Chambolle Musigny
Country: France
Region: Cote de Nuits, Burgundy
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 1990
Price: $50
Terrific village wine. Medium bodied, just coming into its own. Raspberry, spices and toasted oak flavors predominate. For your next dinner party, break out this French Burgundy. Sure to please.
2005 L’Arlot Nuits St. Georges Clos de L’Arlot
Country: France
Region: Cote de Nuits, Burgundy
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2005
Price: $90
Here’s one terrific medium red. Great flavor and aroma. Cherry, mocha, herbs and spices. Strong and sophisticated. Highly rated and recommended. A wonderful French Burgundy.
RESOURCES
Atout France/The France Tourism Development Agency
http://ie.franceguide.com
Dining in France
www.dininginfrance.com
Clive Coates. An Encyclopedia of the Wines and Domaines of France. University of California Press, 2001.
Andrew Jefford. The New France: A Complete Guide to Contemporary French Wine. Mitchell Beazley, 2002.
Ed McCarthy. French Wine for Dummies. For Dummies, 2001.
