Different Kinds Of Burgundy Wine

The Burgundy wine region is in eastern France.

In France, wines are named by the region, or appellation, in which the grapes are grown. The Burgundy, or in French, Bourgogne, region has 100; these are divided into four levels based upon the quality of the land upon which the grapes are grown, known as terrior. Grand Cru is the highest level and makes up only a small percent of the total appellations. Burgundy wines are made out of only a few specific grape varietals. The most widely grown grape varietals are Pinot noir, Gamay, Chardonnay and Aligot .

Beaujolais

Divided into north (Haut-Beaujolais) and south (Bas-Beaujolais) by the Nizerand River, the Beaujolais region produces a light, fruity wine that is easy to drink. There are several sub-varieties of Beaujolais such as Beaujolais-Villages, Beaujolais Nouveau and Beaujolais Superieur. Beaujolais Nouveau is released on the third Thursday of November each year and is intended to be drunk immediately. Beaujolais, in general, is not meant to be aged for long.

Cote d'Or

In the heart of the Burgundy region is Cote d'Or, which is divided into two sub-regions. Cote d'Nuits generally grows Pinot noir grapes to make robust, flavorful reds with intense fruity bouquets. These wines are best aged three to five years and pair nicely with roast duck and red meat. Cote d'Beaune is the other part of Cote d'Or. It yields red wines that are light and fruity with raspberry tones, while the whites are soft with hints of white flower and citrus. These wines age best for two to five years and pair well with nutty tasting cheeses.

Macon

The Macon region is best known for producing white wines that are light and dry with aromas of almond and flower, as well as reds that are light and fruity. The whites are best when aged from two three years and pair well with oysters, chicken with creamy sauces, asparagus and cold meats. The reds should be aged from two to five years and pair well with rabbit and duck.

Chablis

The Chablis region is famous for its fruity dry whites that contain aromas of nut, butter and minerals. This northern region primarily grows the Chardonnay grape. Most of their wines should age for two to five years. However, their Premier Cru should age for three to seven years, and their Grand Cru is best aged between five and twelve years. These wines pair well with grilled salmon, poultry, lobster and shellfish.

Tags: five years, pair well, pair well with, well with, years pair, five years pair, light fruity