This is my new series on Burgundy wines. I think Burgundy wines are some of the most difficult wines to understand as there are some many sub regions and it is quite expensive to taste many Burgundy wines so it is difficult for many people to build up a library of tasting notes.
The Burgundy classification system originated in around 1861 when a person named Lavalle mapped out the best vineyards in Burgundy and ranked them. but it was not formalized by law until 1936. There are 4 tiers in the classification system:
Regional Wines - grapes can be grown anywhere in the Burgundy. There also 23 specific regions (like Macon-Villages) that are considered regional wines. Generally, grapes can be taken from a large area and because of this, the quality and consistency of wines is the most basic. Great way to start your Burgundy journey as these are the least expensive wines in Burgundy. This accounts for around 41-52% of the wines produced in Burgundy each year. Sometimes on the bottle it will identify the grape varietal (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay)
Village Wines - all the grapes used to produce these wines are taken from one commune or villlage. There are 44 of these villages and they account for around 36% of all Burgundy wines produced each year. These wines offer a good balance between quality and pricing and you can some really great wines and relatively affordable prices in this level.
Premier Cru wines - all the grapes used to produce these wines come a small part or vineyard within a village or commune that has special characteristics. This is where Burgundy get serious. At this level, the wines are going to give you distinguishable characteristics for each Premier Cru site. Only accounts for 10-18% of all Burgundy wine produced in a given year. You will see the words "1er Cru" or "Premier Cru" on the bottle
Grand Cru wines - these are the best sites where to grow Pinot Noir or Chardonnay grapes. Can be the same size as Premier Cru sites so think of them as all star Premier Cru sites. You will see "Grand Cru" on their label. Accounts for only 2-5% of all Burgundy wines produced each year.
Sorry everyone, I butchered with French language again...Pommard should be pronounced "Pommar" (without the "d") and Les Charmes should be pronounced "Lay Charm" (without the "s").
Hope this video has been useful. If so, please like, subscribe and let me know if I should do more videos in this series!
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