Newsletter

Week #1 Newsletter- Topic: Cote D’Or – Red Cote de Beaune
 
While Burgundy may seem like the impossible wine region to grasp, I will attempt to simplify the region by breaking it into 4 parts. Red Cote de Beaune, White Cote de Beaune, Red Cote de Nuits & White Cote de Nuits.
 
Remember when dealing with Burgundy they have labeled regions based off these soil differences and character in the following categories –
 
Grand Cru – Only 1% of all of the burgundy production fall under this category and are usually labeled as the region (i.e. La Tache, Montrachet, Chambertin, Musigny, etc..). Usually the most age worthy wines.
 
1er Cru – Only 11% of wines produced in burgundy fall under this category. Considered exceptional but not quite the best.
 
Village Wines- Named after the village for which the grapes are grown in. 23% of all of burgundies produced fall into this category.
 
Sub-Village Appellation – The last classification usually labeled as Bourgogne.
 
Since Burgundy is more about geographic location and the soils can vary in any geographic area, producers play a big part in the quality of the product. These villages are dissected into small parcels that produce very little wine. It is important to know the reputation of the growers or negociants.
 
First Burgundy is really comprised of the region Chablis to Beaujolais. The most important part of this region is called the Cote D’Or (Hill of Gold.)  Formed over 18,000 years ago by glacial movement, the base of the region is marlstone (Rock) and sandy limestone. It has great drainage and a lot of soil complexity adding to the complexity of flavors in the wine. To understand burgundy is to understand what it means to be from the specific microclimate. Vineyard facing direction, soil composition, temperatures and breezes are the most common factors that comprise microclimate. The Cote d’Or is approximately 30 miles long with no section reaching beyond a 1.5 miles in width. It is a very thin piece of land that is home to worlds best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In 1300’s the Duke of Burgundy ordered all Gamay grapes be pulled and Pinot Noir be planted for the red wine. Probably the most significant change Burgundy has ever taken. Driving up and down the Cote D’Or one has no idea that it is home to the most expensive wines of the world. No large palaces or huge Chateau’s like in the Medoc. Only, small cellars and growers that hardly have enough wine to produce more than a couple of barrels of village to grand cru wines. It was a system that has been subdivided so many times that most of the marketed wines are produced by Negociants.  Growers buying other growers barrels of wine; then blended similar barrel villages in order to produce a label that could be marketed for wider distribution.
 
Red Cote de Beaune –
 
One of the most famous Hospitals is in Beaune. Each year there is an auction of donated wines called the Hospices de Beaune. Single vineyards from around Beaune are auctioned off. Most of Burgundies pricing for the vintage is based off the auction prices of these wines. The proceeds go to provide free healthcare to the citizens of Beaune. 
Santeney is the southern most village in the Cote de Beaune. A fragmented region known to produce wines of rich complexity like in parts for the Cote de Nuits but also most of it producing wines of lighter color and flavors. These wines are meant to be enjoyed at a relatively young age. They also tend to have more minerality, earthy flavors and more austerity. Mostly known for red wines and it has no Grand Cru vineyards.
Chassagne-Montrachet is next on the path up the Beaune. Known more for White Burgundy (Chardonnay) than Red (Pinot Noir), however there are some fantastic Red Burgundies coming from this region. They are a little lighter in style but have elegance and finesse.
Monthelie is the next red growing region on the path North. It is more value oriented Pinot Noir as the village does not get much critical acclaim. But the great vintages of Burgundy one can find great values in this region. The ones I have tried tend to carry a little more spicy fruit character, followed by easy accessibility.
Volnay the next village is a definite step up in the red burgundy category. Actually is bordered by Meursault. The red wines on the Meursault border are called Volnay-Santenots. On the Volnay side there are a couple of 1er crus that produce some outstanding red burgundies. Typically one does not age Volnay past 10 years, as they show best under 10 years of age.
Pommard is the next notable village of Red burgundy. I find most of the Pommard burgundies to be a bit more punchy in style. A bit more kick, an aggressive style of Pinot Noir. Sometimes they can seem a bit monolithic on the palate but definitely great for those who look for more body than finesse. Quite a few 1er cru red burgundies come from this appellation.
One moves past the city of Beaune which is filled with vineyards to the Northwest to the village of Savigny-Les-Beaune. I find this village to be one of remarkable approachability and great depth and complexity. These are some of the best value red burgundies. While they may lack some ability for long term ageing they are definitely something to keep in the cellar while you are waiting on the maturity of your Grand Cru’s.
The Aloxe Corton/Ladoix  & Pernand-Vergelesses take you right to the border of Beaune and the Cote de Nuits. Here is where you will find the Grand Cru’s of the Corton. Middle of the hill is where most of the grand cru’s are planted. They tend to make big ripe berry character with sauve texture and a gracefulness that lingers on the palate for a long time. The richest red wines lay right in this hillside.
 
                         - Amier Taherzadeh
 
 
Here are some Highly Recommended Beaune Red Burgundies that are currently in stock:
 
Reyane & Pascal Bouley-
                Beaune 2005 - $45
                Volnay-Santenots 1er Cru 2005 - $80
                Volnay Clos de Chenes 1er Cru 2005 - $80
 
Prince Florent & Merode
                Ladoix les Chaillots 2005 - $35
                Corton les Renardes Grand Cru 2005 - $85
 
Domaine Potinet-Ampeau
                Monthelie 2005 - $31
 
Rene Lequin-Colin
                Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge Vielles Vignes 2005 - $39
 
Faiveley
                Clos des Corton Grand Cru 2005 - $195
 
Rapet
Corton Grand Cru 2005 - $100
 
Bernard Morey
                Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge Vieeles Vignes 2005 - $35
 
 
Want to learn more about Burgundy?
We have our wine club tasting Sunday January 20, 2007 from 1-3PM.
Cost: $45 +tax, tasting fee waived with $200+ in tasting purchases.
SAVE 15% OFF ALL BURGUNDIES FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY. Most of these wines are extremely limited.