Bourgogne AOC

Production

The grapes destined to Bourgogne AOC level either come from younger vineyards, thus are still maturing and gaining complexity, or come from vineyards outside more prestigious appellations throughout Burgundy.

Fine vineyards right outside the villages and communes across de Côte-d’Or, for example, produce extraordinary grapes, but they might be out of the designated area for the village. The producers then must label the wine as Bourgogne — this doesn’t mean the quality is any different than the one found a few meters closer to the village.

Grape growers must plant all vineyards at a Bourgogne AOC level to a minimum of 5000 vines per hectare, and it only goes up from there for complementary geographical indications. The vignerons must pick the grapes with at least 165 grammes per sugar in the must, equivalent to potential 10.2% alcohol by volume. All these strict rules ensure the quality in such prevalent appellation is overall high and competes with wine worldwide.

Bourgogne AOC wine can be labelled with one of thirteen additional geographical indications, the most popular being Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune, Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Nuits, Bourgogne Épineuil and Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise. The quality guidelines in these cases are even stricter.

As for the élevage, most Bourgogne wine spends some time in oak barrels, but oak’s influence is never overwhelming but subtle. White wine often goes through malolactic fermentation, gaining a pleasant creaminess and roundness.

Grape Varieties and Blends

Domaines must make white wine with the main grape varieties Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc, with a complimentary variety, Pinot Gris, that can only be 30% of the final blend. Of course, most white wine in the appellation is made with 100% Chardonnay.

Red wine is almost always pure Pinot Noir, although the appellation rules allow for a maximum of 10% César and 30% Gamay.

Bourgogne Rosé most comprise a majority of Pinot Noir and can have minuscule traces of up to 15% of accessory varietals, including Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and César.

Despite the allowed accessory grapes, Burgundy is known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and most quality producers will use nothing else.

If a wine label states the wine grapes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or Gamay, producers must make the wine with at least 85% of the stated variety. This is a rule at a European level.

Buy Bourgogne AOC Wines from Hourlier Wines

At Hourlier Wines, we find immense pleasure in the great wines of Burgundy, but we also know there’s great value and satisfaction at Burgundy’s regional appellations. This has taken us on a quest to find the most honoured producers specialising in Bourgogne AOC, and we’re proud to say their regional wines are as delightful as many wines at higher tiers.

Amongst our finds, you’ll discover the wine from Vignoble Dampt Freres, a domain going back to 1981, with holdings Chablis, Tonnerre and Irancy for 135 hectares of premium grapes - A beautiful family history we’re proud to bring to you.

You’ll also discover Domaine Coste-Caumartin, a historical estate making wine in Burgundy since the 17th-century. These are some of the finest examples in the category.

This delectable 100% Pinot Noir, grown with sustainable methods in northern Burgundy, within the unique geographical indication Epineuil, is fermented 35% in barrel, 65% in stainless steel tanks for a fresh and vibrant Pinot with tart cherry aromas, and a smooth, silky palate. An extraordinary example of the appellation, suitable for pairing with smoked salmon and fatty cured meats.

Eric and Emmanuel Dampt created this mono-varietal Pinot Noir from their exclusive lieu-dit Racineuil. The crimson-hued wine shows black cherries and hints of damp earth over a palate dominated by powdery tannins. The tart acidity makes the wine mouth-watering and compatible with a wide scope of food, from seafood to roasted poultry.

FAQ

Where does Bourgogne AOC wine originate?

Bourgogne AOC can come from any vineyard inside the vast Burgundy wine region, from the northern Chablis to the southernmost terroirs in the Rhône Department.

What does Bourgogne AOC wine taste like?

Red Bourgogne, as a worthy example of Burgundy’s Pinot Noir, is cherry-scented and smooth with earthy undertones and mouth-watering acidity. You’ll never find astringency or harshness in these wines.

White Bourgogne is a younger and more vibrant rendition of the acclaimed white Burgundies, the most refined Chardonnay on the planet. These wines offer golden apple aromas and hints of white flowers over a creamy and round palate.

Which food groups pair well with Bourgogne AOC wine?

Red Bourgogne is the perfect partner for oily fish like salmon and tuna. It also pairs nicely with white meat: poultry and pork and is beautiful when paired with sweet and savoury food like Asian stir-fries.

White Bourgogne pairs best with poultry and pork, cream sauces, and buttery seafood. Escargots and Rockefeller oysters are classic pairings, but similar dishes are equally compatible with the style.