Value Wines from Burgundy?

Burgundy is a confusing wine region. Their wine classification system can be quite daunting ...French named appellations and so forth. At least with Bordeaux the Chateau name is on the label. Burgundy's wine/vine/plot of land ownership system, put in place during the Roman era, is confusing also. One plot of land with 15 rows of grapes could have one individual owner for each row. And you know what? Each row could produce wines that are distinctly different even if all of the rows are planted with the same grape variety (this has more to do with terroir). But the resulting wines from that plot will be bottled with different names. You have to love it. To simplify things, somewhat, an appelation is a plot of land and Burgundy on the whole only uses 3 grape varieties; Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gamay (Beaujolais). That’s pretty much it. These grapes grown in this region produce some of the worlds most prized and sought after wines, and can be quite expensive. With this being said Burgundy has done something I feel is an opportunity for them to showcase the region and allow the average consumer to experience wines that are inexpensive and still express that Burgundian charm. They’ve added two new names to represent value wines from their region. The first is Coteaux Bourguignons, this is a replacement name for wines that fall under the Bourgogne Grand Ordinaire appellation which represent wines made from grapes throughout Burgundy as opposed to a specific plot of land. It will fall under the Bourgogne classification and will be considered “value wines”. The second name is Bourgogne Cote d’Or. These wines will be low cost wines with grapes sourced from the Cotes de Nuit and the Cotes de Beaune areas. Prized wines such as Pommard and Romanee-Conti come from these areas. So, we wine consumers have a lot to look forward to with the upcoming 2010 and 2012 Burgundy vintages and who doesn’t love a great value!

I suppose I should, at some point, open my bottles of Burgundy.   I know! I’ll plan a party celebrating Burgundian wine and food and invite some of my closest friends...after all wine was meant to be shared.

Here's a recipe I found to go with your red Burgundy    Beef Bourguignon

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The American Wine Table

I'm all about great wine! And in our diverse county we have a wealth of vineyards and wineries across all 50 states that need to be explored. That is why I created a new Face Book group called The American Wine Table. Yes, I speak and write a lot about European wines...the elegant and fruit subtleness in their wines can't be denied. American wines have a certain boldness that is sometimes called for, like the wines of Sonoma, Napa, and Mendecino. Those we know about, but what of Oregon, Virginia, and New Jersey? Gems can be found there also. Take New Jersey for example...I know, what exit? New Jersey has a winery that is near and dear to my heart, Renault Winery. Near and dear because I got married there 13 years ago, and I have to say they make the most near perfect Burgundy red wine, made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc, as perfect as you can get coming from New Jersey. We order 2 cases from them every Christmas season. The American Wine Table will be a forum for all to share their wine finds (like my find from New Jersey) preferably from American soil. Great recipes should be shared also, because you know food and wine are inseparable. Come join and share:  The American Wine Table

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Ode to the Romans

Ode to the Romans for introducing us to wine import/export, to time tested viticulture practices, and to the “wine tasting party”. Actually their wine parties could be categorized as more social networking than partying. This is the information, and a lot more, I get from reading wine books. I love reading about wines’ history, and there are many books on the market ready and willing to educate us on the 5000+ years of wine, from discovery (somewhere around the Dead Sea) to its evolution and how we are able to enjoy it today. The viticulture and the “wine social networking” was the more positive side of Roman history. Romans used to get together at special meeting places and have wine with food and talk about everything from how the wine tasted, to importing strategies, to what spices were put on the pizza they were having that evening. Part of the truth about wine and what they discovered, early on, was that wine brought out what they felt was their true selves. Wine allowed them to think and come up with new ideas and made them feel good, which in turn, brought them closer to themselves and to others. I guess that is what wine is all about…..bringing us closer together. That’s why I always say, “food, wine, family and friends”…what could be better. Thank you Romans!

By the way, the Romans didn’t drink the grape varietals we drink today, the Cabernet Sauvignon, the Chardonnay, and so forth. Their premium wine of their time was Falernian made with a white grape varietal Falanghina. I actually found Falanghina at a winery here in Georgia called Montluce….how fitting right?….Monteluce.  This wine is fabulous...fruity and Italian to the core.

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Bastille Day 2010

This coming Saturday, July 10th, will be a very special day “pour moi” for me. I have been invited to participate in Bastille Day, given by Alliance Francaise d’ Atlanta, which will be celebrated that day, at 6:11 pm, officially. Bastille Day is the day the French celebrate its independence, much in the way we, in America, celebrate July 4th. The French celebrate this day with swanky affairs that include Champagne and other luxurious food niceties. This is very different from America’s hot dog and baked beans, hamburger and barbeque, with lemonade. Nothing wrong with that, it’s just a different way of celebrating. My role for this event will be ‘wine educator’. There will be a special Chateau Styled room created for me within the building (or high rise with a panoramic view of the Atlanta sky line, I should say) the event will take place in. I will be among honored sponsors, VIP’s and guest discussing the Champagne wine region and French wine history. I’m excited because I get to do what I love…talk about wine.

If you live in the Atlanta area, come join in the celebration:
 
Bastille Day 2010 information
 

Speaking of Champagne, have you tried this one: 

 

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