Burgundy wines under $100
Burgundy wines have a reputation for being expensive, however there are well-priced gems from small producers that are worth seeking out.
Is affordable Burgundy an oxymoron? Beautiful Burgundian wine, or the wines that are made in the region of La Bourgogne in the Côte-d’Or, France, which consist of varietals Aligoté, Chardonnay, Melon, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris for whites; Gamay, Pinot Noir and the ancient red grape César (from Yonne)
for red wine, are considered to be some of the most expensive wines in the world. Over the past five years these have become increasingly more expensive
and less-and-less accessible for the everyday wine lover. Increased demand, reduced yields, and a
weak Australian dollar have all contributed to some domain’s prices rising considerably, and for many people buying at retail prices, you could expect to pay anywhere from $200- $2000 for a top dollar Burgundy from one of the big vineyards, such as Dujac or Cathiard. Are they worth it? Maybe.
Can you find just as good, at less cost? Definitely, affordable Burgundy does still exist. Traditionally and generally speaking the best reds come from the north where Pinot Noir makes up the predominant grape for Coteaux Bourguignons - the climate, soil and wine making make this a very special place.
The best whites, particularly Chardonnay however come from the south, such as the appellation of Puligny-Montrachet in the Côte de Beaune, where they are influenced by cooler climate. And whilst terroir is important for quality, the most important aspect to any great wine is always the producer. A good winemaker will always make good wine from any appellation, and there are many that are worth seeking out. Here are a few of my favourites.
2018 Domaine Servin Chablis
Chablis is probably the greatest value for money wine in all of Burgundy. Lovers of crisp, dry whites would all be aware of this. This small producer is imported by our friends at Melbourne Institution France-Soir. This is classic Chablis and will keep for years and years or can be drunk now. (Also the 1er crus from the same producer go for around $60 and are brilliant!)
$27.50 for 375ml, France-Soir Wine
2019 Domaine des Rouges Queues Aligoté
Aligote as a grape has come of age in the last few years as wine makers have started to treat it with the same respect as more esteemed fruit. This tiny bio-dynamic Domaine is no different. This wine is lean and fresh and has great raw energy to it. Amazing with oysters.
$54, moreishwines.com
2018 Domaine Philippe Robert Fixin “Entre Deux Velles”
Fixin is a tiny village in the North of Burgundy that producers Pinot Noir with plenty of bang for your buck. This small Domaine, run by a father and son makes classic and honest Burgundy full of colour concentration and flavour. For me this wine is amazing value and has all the quality of a wine double its price.
2018 Fanny Sabre Bourgogne Rouge
The fruit from this comes from around the Beaune area in the heart of Burgundy. I always love this wine and I am especially enjoying 2018 for red Burgundy. There are a lot of red fruit notes in this wine along with Fanny’s signature whole bunch ferment characters, which add to the this wine. We have it listed at Ria, what a Pizza wine!
2018 Faiveley ‘Clos de Myglands’ 1er Cru
For me this is the greatest value Burgundy on the planet. Faiveley is a very old and fairly large producer with amazing holdings in Burgundy that have really upped the ante on quality in the last 10 years. Prior to this, the wines were very hard and needed a lot of time to evolve. This single vineyard premier cru always jumps from the glass, with a bright and lifted perfume, that leads to
a silky palate of raspberry and strawberry. Oak is well judged but definitely there. A premier cru wine from a Monopole vineyard and under $100 is super rare.
WORDS BY NICK HILDEBRANDT
