Burgundy

Burgundy stretches from Chablis via the Cote d'Or to Beaujolais and offers an immense variety of wines. The name alone sounds like the solemn toll of a bell and refers to the rich history of this region, which was once characterised by duchies.

Despite its wealth, the landscape appears simple and rural. Burgundy is a mosaic of different wine-growing regions, but the wines produced here are true works of art - unpredictable but unsurpassed in their finesse and elegance.

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay dominate Burgundy's vineyards, with the calcareous soils giving the wines a unique quality. Names like Gevrey Chambertin, Meursault, Chablis, Chassagne Montrachet and Corton represent great wines from this region.

Burgundy is considered one of the northernmost wine region in Europe producing top-quality wines. Wine has been grown here since the 12th century. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the dukes from the House of Valois significantly promoted the development of the region and contributed to its current reputation.

Pinot Noir is one of the most demanding grape varieties, both in terms of cultivation, location, processing, storage and drinking experience. But in the right hands, it can create wines of unparalleled complexity and depth of flavour. The best vineyards are classified as Grand Cru, followed by Premier Cru and Appellation Communale.

Wines such as Clos de la Tarte, Clos de la Roche, Clos St. Denis and Clos de Beze are exemplary of the sophistication in fragrance and sensual richness that characterise Burgundy. Overall, Burgundy is a region full of history and tradition, whose wines can enchant even the most demanding wine lover.

The pictures show, in order, some Burgundies that left me speechless when I tried them and I am very grateful that I was able to try these rarities:

2014 Grand Cru Charmes Chambertin, Domain Armand Rousseau

2002 Puligny Montrachet Les Enseigneres, Coche Dury

1995 Chablis Grand Cru Blanchot, Domaine Raveneau

My tasting notes for the 2014 Grand Cru Charmes Chambertin, Domaine Armand Rousseau:

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It always warms my heart when guests really enjoy what they're drinking, especially if they don't work in the wine industry and don't have much wine knowledge. The light in their eyes and the smiles on their faces make it worth all the work it takes to find these wines.

The Charmes Chambertin has a particularly powerful elegance and velvety fullness, ruby ​​red reflections are reflected in the light.

The aromas are carried by morello cherries, deep red rose petals and Asian spices. The aroma is beguiling, like a story from a thousand and one nights, carried by sandalwood and an almost masculine aftertaste that lingers on the palate and in the memory for a long time.

This Burgundy was truly a goosepimples wine experience for me.