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5 cuvées you need to know about

Burg 5 Cuvees You Need To Know About

 The old adage ‘Location, Location, Location’ could not be more relevant than when you are referring to Burgundy. The plethora of different soil types, even within a single vineyard, and subtle shifts in aspect, often barely noticeable to the naked eye have a dramatic effect on the quality of the wine. Having an insight into the winemakers and exactly where their vineyard holdings lie can provide that edge in picking out the ‘under the radar’ cuvées that consistently over deliver.

We have selected a few such producers, villages and individual sites that for reasons we will explain, are producing something very special. At times, Burgundy can be a cauldron of disappointment as the famous wines become increasingly unobtainable. If you know where to look however, there is ample opportunity to continue drinking the best and purest expressions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the world.

Burg Page Bs

 CHAMBOLLE MUSIGNY

 Domaine Anne et Hervé Sigaut, Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Noirots | 12 x 750ml | £395 IB

Anne and Herve are a small family Domaine working just 7ha of land in a village that continues to grow in demand but not in size. They represent the beating heart of Burgundy for they don’t chase glory and acclaim, they simply chase quality, forging the finest expressions of their old vines from their unique soil. And what a soil it is; of the three 1er cru Chambolle’s their 1er Cru Noirots is the jewel of the Domaine standing just a stone’s throw from the hallowed Bonne Mares Grand Cru but at a fraction of the price. The results of their labours are seductive wines with personality, style and charm.

 

VOLNAY AND SAVIGNY LES BEAUNES

Burg 2 Bs Domaine Michel Lafarge Bourgogne Pinot Noir | 12 x 750ml | £135 IB

The focus of the market is increasingly on the Cotes de Nuits for reds, and with this, prices are steadily rising. It is difficult to understand this blinkered focus when you consider the quality that Volnay and Savigny continue to produce at historic properties and revered sites. Long may this blind spot continue, for it means that those in the know are able to find exceptional wines that still, and this is a rare commodity in Burgundy, offer value and are unencumbered by strict allocations. 

Simon Bize, Michel Lafarge, Marquis d'Angerville and Domaine de Montille; it is a roll call of royalty from the Cote de Beaune. There are many exceptional wines to choose from here, and Lafarge in particular comes in with all guns blazing with his delicious Bourgogne Pinot Noir; it is quality in abundance at £11.25 a bottle In Bond. It is no surprise that the Great Burgundy expert Clive Coates MW rates Lafarge as one of just a handful of 3 star estates when tasting across his range.

 

Burgundy 3 (2)

 MEURSAULT

Benjamin Leroux Meursault Vireuls | 6 x 750 ml | £180 IB

So to Meursault, and the innovative Benjamin Leroux. His lean, focused wines were the source of much excitement at our recent tasting. High in the village towards the side valley of Auxey Duresses, the Vireuils skilfully combines the freshness and minerality of Auxey with the weight and concentration of Meursault resulting in a nervy cuvée with amazing tension, power and precision. This wine is highly recommended for lovers of great white Burgundy. 

 

 

NUITS ST GEORGES

Burg 4 Bs Domaine Armoux-Lachaux Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Clos des Corvées Paget | 6 x 750 ml | £315

 Once again the market has unfairly cast Nuits St Georges into the shadow of its famous neighbours; Gevrey Chambertin and Vosne Romanee. The secret of the beautiful Nuits 1er Cru vineyard Corvees Paget is down to the slightly lower lying ground and its composition boasting a higher than usual sand content. This quirk of nature allows for wines of incredible silken finesse and length: a nice antidote for those preferring this seductive style to the more densely structured wines hailing from Vosne and Gevrey. At the same price level of some village wines across the Cote de Nuits it is a wine of exceptional value. Our sentiments are eloquently mirrored by Allen Meadows from Burghound stating "delicious and suave...excellent intensity and volume...impeccable balance." (90-93pts) IB

 

 

Burgundy 5GEVREY CHAMBERTIN

 Domaine Faiveley Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Clos des Issarts | 6 x 750 ml | £235 IB

Faiveley needs little introduction being one of the most well-known producers in Burgundy, however, in their large portfolio it is imperative to know the specific sites to unearth some absolute gems. Clos des Issart is the perfect example, a monopole owned by Faiveley that borders Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru. It is vibrant, concentrated and full of energy with the potential to develop and improve over many years. Burghound rates this at 91-93 points, making this a steal when you consider other wines at this quality level.

 

 Subject to remaining unsold. E&OE