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March Wine Tasting 

Wednesday, March 10, 2021 7pm EST / 5pm MST

Burgundy on a Budget

Burgundy, located in the east central portion of France has the distinction of producing the world’s most unique and expensive wines. It is a relatively small, agrarian region, whose native grapes, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay,  manage to express a perfect balance of alcohol, acidity, tannins, complexity in flavor and a characteristic earthiness.

The plots of grape growing land have precise boundaries that are classified based upon their unique ‘terroir’.  Quality classifications start at the region-wide level (Bourgogne) all the way up to the ‘Grand Crus’ which are portions within a vineyard determined to express the very finest terroir (growing place).

Our tasting – Burgundy on a Budget – will focus on experiencing Burgundian Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at the ‘Bourgogne’ and the elevated ‘Villages’ quality levels to see how these two affordable classifications differ.  These wines give you an idea of the flavors, complexity and great food pairing capacity of Burgundy at an approachable level.

Purchase the Wine

I have selected wines by the great negociant Joseph Drouhin.  These are widely distributed throughout the US and I am hopeful that you can purchase them at the prices listed.

I found them at a great wine store in the Denver area called ‘Argonaut’, but you should be able to find them.  If you cannot find the wines listed by this producer, you can successfully substitute others.  Please try to get the following type of wines offered by an obtainable producer:

  • Macon Villages (a Chardonnay from the Maconnais region of Burgundy)
  • Bourgogne (a Pinot Noir from the Bourgogne region)
  • Cote de Beaune (a Pinot Noir from the Cote de Beaune sub-region of the Cote d’Or in Burgundy)
Macon Villages

Joseph Drouhin Macon Villages 2018

The color of the wine is bright and limpid. The nose is floral and fruity.

Very straightforward and direct on the palate, as if biting into a grape. Fresh and light, with a very pleasant aftertaste

Laforet

Joseph Drouhin Laforet Pinot Noir 2018

A wine full of charm: bright ruby color and a nose rich with aromas of red fruit (raspberry, red currants, wild strawberry).

On the palate, the wine is pleasant, fruity and refreshing, with light tannins and great elegance.

Pinot Noir and grilled chicken, pasta with pesto… simple things.

Chorley

Joseph Drouhin Chorey les Beaune 2017

Very pleasant wine. Bright, clear red color. Aromas are surprising in their intensity and fruit.

On the palate, a tender, supple, graceful, round body. Very flavorful in the aftertaste, with a hint of blackberry jam.

When the wine gets older, wild blackberry is the dominant aroma. After 3 or 5 years, the wine takes on a distinctive smell of truffle and undergrowth evolving towards notes of venison. Cellaring 5 to 6 years.

Tasting Glasses

Make sure to have three identical clear wine glasses with stems. This will ensure a consistent experience for comparing the wines.

Learning Environment

  • A computer equipped with a camera and speakers (and/or a headset)
  • A table with a white background
  • A pencil or pen to complete your tasting form
  • A glass of water
  • Water, a spit bucket, wine opener (or Coravin if you have one)

Try Some Food with the Wine

Wines from Burgundy are made to pair with food.  They are best enjoyed with the famous cuisines of the region.  See for yourself and try some of these infamous ‘Burgundian’ food as we taste the wine.

We will conclude our tasting with a discussion and sharing of your wine and food pairing experiences –

  • Baguette with a Soft, creamy cheese such as Delice de Bourgogne, Brie, Camembert
  • Quiche
  • Smoked Fish
  • Salmon
  • Roasted Chicken or Duck
  • Fish or Shellfish in a rich creamy or buttery sauce
  • Foie Gras
  • Beef Stew
  • Truffles (anything with added Truffles (like Pasta) or Truffle Oil