I was excited to attend the recent Homecoming event for Vins de Bourgogne and taste and learn more about Bourgogne and its five wine-producing regions (some of which should be very familiar to you): Chablis, Cote de Nuits, Cote de Beaune, Cote Chalonnaise, and Maconnais.

Bourgogne wines are usually made from one single grape, giving them a purity in their expression. So, if you are a lover of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, you will find their authentic personality in Bourgogne wines. The wines of Bourgogne remain immensely popular, but they are facing similar challenges of climate change and adaptation to that of many traditional wine making regions. It was great to learn more about the Bourgogne Wine Board’s response to these challenges and about their collective objectif climat to be carbon neutral by 2050 as a region, adaptable to every domaine and maison, big or small.

This brings me to the big news – the wines of Bourgogne want to be known by their true name, Bourgogne, not as Burgundy in the US. The word burgundy is so closely correlated with the color of red wines. But, as you will see, the wines of Bourgogne offer that, but also so much more – a complete color palette! About 62% of total production is currently white wines, 28% are red wines, and 10% cremant sparkling wines.

What I really love about Bourgogne wines is that amongst many of the well-known, big name houses and the Grand Vins, there are also some true hidden gems that are perfect everyday wines. How great is it to enjoy a beautiful wine with dinner or a picnic, not having to save it for a special occasion? Here are some of my favorites from the day of tastings:

• Mercurey Premier Cru Clos du Paradis 2019 from Domaine Voarick, a lively red
• Bailly Lapierre Reserve Brut, a drier, extremely drinkable Cremant de Bourgogne
• Côte de Nuits Villages “Clos de Magny” 2020 from Domaine Jean Fery, a very special red you should know
• Domaine de Chaude Ecuelle Chablis Cuvée Clovis 2018, a vibrant labor of love by its younger vintners

I had never seen or tried some of these wines before, and that is what made it so fun! It’s always so satisfying to make a new discovery.

Great everyday wines make for an affordable luxury, and we can all use a little self-splurge this summer. I really enjoyed discovering more about Bourgogne wines and hope you did too. If you have any questions or recommendations, pop them in my comments below!