Burgundy's Best Bourgogne

Region

Burgundy's Best Bourgogne

Nick Jackson MW |

In recent years, the demand for Burgundy has been such that even the humble Bourgogne Blanc and Rouge categories have been oversubscribed. Smart drinkers understand that the best producers do not make bad wine; even at this level, what makes Burgundy unique is present in the bottles. Affordable and engaging is the recipe for go-to Bourgogne; we have many options for you.

In white, the tense, reductive styles of Jobard, Colin-Morey or Bachelet-Monnot would make for an elevated house white. These are serious producers, and their entry-level wines reflect it. Further up the producer pecking order, Maison Leroy, Leflaive and Coche-Dury have a different level of ambition for their Bourgogne Blanc; blind, you'd take these wines for a village or even Premier Cru white, with the attendant concentration and purity.

In red, contrast the amazing purity of fruit of Cassiopée with the more hedonistic style of Méo-Camuzet or Cathiard. For a style that leans a little more classical, look to Groffier, Fourrier, Lafarge or Henri Boillot. With producers of this quality, expect a Bourgogne Rouge sparkling with charm and the ineffable 'x factor' that distinguishes Burgundy from all other Pinot Noir wines.