Get to know the basics with White Burgundy (Bourgogne) wine, the ultimate French Chardonnay. Included are 4 primary styles to know and useful tips on taste, what to expect to spend and food pairing from Chardonnay-addict and sommelier, Morgan Harris. For winemakers, white Burgundy may just be the Helen of Troy of Chardonnay because nearly everyone who’s ever made Chardonnay has looked to the white wines of Bourgogne as gold standard.All in all, white Burgundy is just Chardonnay, but the region is also the origin place of the variety, which is by the way, the world’s most popular white grape.In Burgundy, the combination of climate, land, and tradition produce a wine that is coveted by many and never precisely replicated anywhere else.“Once you’re hooked on white Burgundy, there’s no going back.” Once you’re hooked on white Burgundy, there’s no going back. Some would say white Burg is the crack cocaine of Chardonnay. Sommeliers and retailers who sell white Burgundy sound like drug dealers: “Just try some, you’ll love it…”Now that you’ve had a proper introduction, let’s get started exploring the region and the wine. While some people have dedicated their lives to understanding each and every nuance, anyone can be learn how to choose white Burgundy and what to expect.Getting Started with White BurgundyBroadly, white Burgundy can be found in four production areas within Burgundy. Each area has a different terroirs and characteristics and thus, different flavor profiles: Bourgogne Blanc: unoaked simple wines with mineral and apple notes. Expect to spend $15–$20 for a tasty bottle of everyday Bourgogne Blanc. Chablis: unoaked wines that are zippy and lean with lime-like mineral flavors. Expect to spend $20–$30 for a good bottle of Chablis. Mâconnais: Mâconnais wines are usually unoaked with fruit-forward with melon and starfruit notes. Expect to spend $15–$20 for a tasty bottle. Côte de Beaune: This is the “crème de la crème” of White Burgundy. Wines are typically oak-aged wines with rich, fleshy yellow apple and starfruit flavors with undertones of truffle, hazelnut and vanilla. Oak-aging costs more to make so don’t be surprised if you spend more than $40. Other Burgundy WhitesAligoté –Bourgogne Aligoté appellation Pinot Blanc –Found in Nuits-St-GeorgesPinot Gris –A mutation of Pinot NoirSauvignon Blanc –Found in the Saint-Bris appellationNOTE: There are a few wines from outlier regions within Burgundy not included in this guide due to their relative rarity.
