The Hunt for Value in Burgundy

In the world of fine wine, few regions hold as much prestige as Burgundy, known as Bourgogne in French. Nestled in the heart of France, Burgundy is renowned for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which are cultivated in some of the most celebrated vineyards on the planet. Names like Chablis, Côte de Nuits, and Côte de Beaune are just some of its well-known sub-regions. However, beyond these famous appellations lie regional appellations that offer exceptional wines, often at more accessible prices. These are larger areas, often covering much more expansive swaths of land, but there’s still plenty of quality to be found.

Check out five of my favorite regional Burgundy appellations (AOCs) below and keep an eye out for them when shopping for wine!

Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune

The Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune AOC spans the elevated slopes of the Montagne de Beaune to the west of the famed Côte de Beaune. With vineyards situated at higher altitudes ranging from 900 to 1,300 feet, this is a cooler climate, which imparts a distinct freshness and vibrant acidity to the wines. Wines from the Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune are typically characterized by their finesse, bright fruit flavors, and subtle minerality from limestone-rich soils.

Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Nuits

Similar to Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune, the Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Nuits AOC is positioned on the slopes west of the famous Côte de Nuits at about the same elevation. Other similarities include a cooler climate and limestone-rich soils. Wines from this appellation are renowned for their aromatic complexity, with red wines showcasing floral notes and whites featuring citrus undertones. These wines tend to be more intense than their Hautes Côtes de Beaune cousins.

Bourgogne Côte d’Or

The Bourgogne Côte d’Or AOC is one of the newer designations within Burgundy. This appellation covers the central part of Burgundy, incorporating the vineyard areas of 40 villages within Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune. The diversity within the Côte d’Or allows for a wide range of wine styles, from elegant, fruit-forward reds with earthy nuances to bright, mineral-driven whites, catering to a variety of palates and pairing well with a range of cuisines. This AOC is a great option for people just starting to explore Burgundy.

Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise

The Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise AOC is located in the southern part of the region. It produces red, white, and rosé wines within 44 communes, which comprise the cantons of Buxy, Chagny, Givry, and Mont-Saint-Vincent, and features a gentler landscape compared to the rugged terrains of the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits to the north. Its wines tend to be more approachable with subtle tannins, crunchy red fruit flavors, and fresh acidity.

Bourgogne Passe-Tout-Grains

The Bourgogne Passe-Tout-Grains AOC is unique for its red blends, which must be a minimum of one-third Pinot Noir and a maximum of two-thirds Gamay. In most other parts of Burgundy, the red wines are single variety Pinot Noirs. The wines of Bourgogne Passe-Tout-Grains are typically light, fruity, and approachable, with the bright red fruit flavors and soft tannins of Gamay complementing the more structured and earthy characteristics of Pinot Noir. These are great with a light chill in the summer!

While the famous names garner much of the spotlight, Burgundy’s regional appellations offer an exciting opportunity, especially for new wine lovers. These gems showcase the diversity and complexity that Burgundy has to offer—without the premium price tag of more renowned labels.