Overview
- Burgundy red wines spotlight the prominence of the Pinot Noir grape, defining the region's character for wine enthusiasts.
- This comprehensive guide aims to aid enthusiasts in understanding Burgundy's wine culture and diverse expressions through a thoughtful tasting experience.
Nestled in France's scenic landscape, Burgundy produces wines steeped in global acclaim. Exploring Burgundy red wine becomes a delightful pursuit, especially for wine enthusiasts, as it unravels the enchanting world of the region's signature grape, Pinot Noir.
Known for its emphasis on terroir, this type of French red wine uniquely reflects its origins. This expedition through Burgundy's winemaking legacy, from the famed Côte de Nuits to the picturesque Côte de Beaune, promises an enjoyable expedition rich in history, terroir exploration, and the craftsmanship behind every sip.
You can explore some of the best wines from this region here at Flamingo Wine & Spirits at our Pasay wine shop. We are located at:
Ground Level, MET Live,
EDSA Extension, corner Diosdado Macapagal Blvd
Pasay, 1226 Metro Manila
Understand the Grape
Burgundy red wines find their soul in the Pinot Noir grape, a charming yet demanding varietal. Knowing this grape is key to understanding Burgundy wines because it's like the region's storyteller, expressing the unique tale of each vineyard.
This grape crafts Burgundy's subtle, intricate flavors, mirroring the area's identity. It unveils an array of expressions, from lighter styles with delicate floral notes to fuller-bodied wines boasting robust, complex profiles. The grape's remarkable adaptability to terroir ensures each Burgundy wine is an exclusive sensory expedition, offering a diverse and unparalleled tasting experience.
Explore the Terroir
Burgundy's winemaking is intricately woven with its diverse terrain. The region's varied topography, encompassing different elevations, soil types, and microclimates, bestows distinct characteristics upon its wines.
Spanning undulating landscapes, the soil makeup—ranging from limestone and clay to marl—directly influences grapevine growth and fruit maturation.
The cooler northern climate is pivotal in crafting Burgundy's finesse and grace, especially in wines crafted from the Pinot Noir grape. Elevated sites often yield wines with vibrant acidity and noticeable minerality.
Decode the Labels
Burgundy wines are categorized into several levels, denoting distinct quality tiers and reflecting the unique traits of vineyards. These classifications aid in understanding wine characteristics:
- Regional Wines (Bourgogne): Covering a broad area, these introductory wines exhibit the general attributes of Burgundy.
- Village Wines (Village): Originating from specific villages, these offer higher quality and portray the unique traits of their locale.
- Premier Cru Wines (Premier Cru): Distinctive wines from superior vineyards within villages, showcasing exceptional characteristics.
- Grand Cru Wines (Grand Cru): The pinnacle, sourced from esteemed vineyards, showcasing top-tier quality, complexity, and aging potential.
At Flamingo Wine & Spirits, three Grand Cru bottles are available for enthusiasts:
Chambertin-Clos-de-Bèze Grand Cru Bouchard Père & Fils 2014
A dry red wine crafted from Bouchard Père & Fils, one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in the region. This wine has a deep red color and aroma of blackberry, cherry, and red berries. It’s accompanied by notes of vanilla, earth, and smokiness, completing its rich and full-bodied palate.
Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru Domaine Joseph Roty Cuvée de Très Vieilles Vignes 2017
This is a special aged dry wine crafted from Domain Joseph Roty winery. The full-bodied wine underwent some of the exceptional winemaking techniques from this winery. The result is a deep red wine with rich aromas of red berries, cherries, and blackberries. The notes that accompany it are vanilla, earth, and spices.
Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru Les Quatre Journaux Louis Latour 2016
The grapes of this red wine by Lous Latour are sourced from Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru vineyard. This is an excellent example of the classic Burgundy wine with a deep red color and aromas of red fruits, cherries, earthiness, and spices.
Taste the Wine
To fully appreciate Burgundy wine, a systematic approach to tasting is recommended. Begin by observing the wine's appearance, noting its color, clarity, and viscosity by tilting the glass against a white surface. Next, bring the glass to your nose and inhale deeply to capture the wine's aroma. Pay attention to any fruit, floral, or earthy notes that may be present. Take a sip and let the wine coat your palate, allowing its flavors, acidity, and texture to unfold. Assess the wine's complexity, balance, and finish, considering how the flavors evolve and linger on the palate.
This methodical tasting process enhances the overall understanding and enjoyment of Burgundy wine's intricate characteristics.
Key Takeaway
This guide to Burgundy red wine is just the beginning of exploring different varietals from the region. With a better idea of its labels and taste, you can explore more options available at Flamingo Wine & Spirits. Shop our store today for premium wine and liquors.