Wine on the Radio - January 19, 2004        Listen

Burgundy Quality Classifications

Buying Burgundy can be a real case of "buyer beware" since it's so confusing.  Knowing the classification system is a start. It's a classic pyramid and grades the potential quality of the wine based on growing areas and limits.  

At the base are the simply labeled "Bourgogne" . . . the grapes can come from anywhere is the region.   Next are communal or village wines.   These carry the name of the particular town where the grapes are grown, such as Pommard or Nuits St. Georges.  Then come the Premier Crus.  You'll see the village name with the specific Premier Cru vineyard name on the label.  At the very top are the Grands Cru vineyards.  

There are only thirty-two of these - great wines like Le Montrachet, Romanee Conti, Corton and others and only the vineyard name appears on the label . . . no village name is needed.  

There are good wines at all levels of the pyramid, and some great ones near the top.

 

Burgundy takes practice and patience and tasting.  We've got more info below.  

Pop the cork™. 

            

Burgundy’s Quality System

Burgundy’s system for identifying quality is based on the grapes allowed, the vineyard yield, alcohol level and style as well as Burgundian growing and winemaking techniques. The quality layers range from broad geography to very tightly defined and managed vineyards.

Bourgogne is the broadest definition, It covers the entire region… so any wine made from grapes harvested in Burgundy can be designated Bourgogne. These account for about 55% of Burgundian wines.

Communal or Village wines are next on the quality ladder. These carry the name of the wine producing village area. Familiar names like Meursault, Pommard, Nuits St. Georges and others are examples of these communal wines. They account for about one-third of production.

Within the village areas are the Premier Crus. These are designated vineyards where yield is more tightly controlled in order to carry and maintain the Premier Cru designation. The Premier Cru vineyard is shown on the label along with the communal name. These are about10% of all Burgundy wines.

Grands Crus are precisely what the name implies. Not only are they at the apex of the Burgundy quality system, but they are meant to represent the finest expressions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Grands Crus carry the vineyards name on the label as the prime identifier… no village is necessary. Each of these famed vineyards is known for its terroir and history.

There are only 32 Grand Crus, which yield 2-3% of all Burgundy’s wines. They are the epitome of Burgundy and, not surprisingly, priced to match.

Burgundy

Burgundy Terroirs

Appellations

Patrick Fegan on Appellations