White Burgundy Wine

What is the white Burgundy grape? Most of you will know it as Chardonnay, in France it is called Beaunois.

In France and much of the Old World wineries, the wines are categorized by their growing region instead of their grape varietal like we do here in the US and most of the New World. So I will be speaking about the Chardonnay varietal that is grown within Burgundy, but more specifically, the popular growing areas within Burgundy.

Each of these growing areas produce wines with distinct characteristics and flavor profiles.

Chablis is easily the most known white Burgundy. It is the in the Northern most region of Burgundy. The Chablis wine is known for its dryness and crisp acidity, a flinty/mineral note, and light nose of green apple, lemon or lime.

Corton-Charlemagne wines are considered to be some of the best whites in Burgundy and are know for their distinctive fruit, cinnamon and honey flavors. These wines age well and are some of the more expensive. A well aged Charlemagne will be full bodied and have added spice, almonds and oak.

Montrachet is considered to be the greatest white wine in the world and commands the highest prices. It has an intense floral nose, which is a typical characteristic sign of a Montrachet, a full silky mouth feel, rich fruit with honey and almond notes and finishes clean and dry.

These are just 3 of the most well known whites in Burgundy. Other notables are Mâcon Blanc (or Pinot-Chardonnay-Mâcon) and Mâcon-Village and Pouilly-Fuissé.

I have not had the privilege of trying a Charlemagne, but if I ever I get a chance, I won't waste it. I love the idea of the flavors of cinnamon, honey and almonds in my wine.

-H

Pinot Noir

A very popular varietal and rightly so. Pinot Noirs are usually light to medium bodied reds with good complexity, balance, and low to medium tannins. This makes it one of the most drinkable wines for wine noob's and enthusiasts alike.

Pinot Noir is nearly synonymous to the French growing region of Burgundy. If you are drinking a red (bonus points if you can name the White Burgundy varietal) Burgundy right now, you are drinking a Pinot Noir.

As with most wines, the Old World /New World profiles differs from each other, yet the Old World wine makers are moving to the more popular styles of the New World.

Here's what to expect in the flavor profiles:

New World Pinot Noir Flavor Profile: simple to medium complexity, fruit driven - raspberries, cherries, strawberries, light, violets, lilac, silky and supple tannins

Old World Pinot Noir Flavor Profile: complex, mushrooms, forest, earth, full bodied, incense, sandalwood, spice, moderate tannins

Pinot Noir was my favorite varietal for many years but, as you know, I have recently fallen for the Priorat. However, you can almost never go wrong with a good Pinot Noir. Food is not needed to complement it's flavor as it is an excellent stand alone wine. It is also a great wine for a group of friends who want to buy a bottle but can't decide between white or a red.

-H