How quickly everything changes in this world!Twenty years ago we could only read about the wines of Burgundy from the pre-revolutionary classics. Now, in any large supermarket or restaurant there is a fairly large selection of these world-famous drinks. True, over the decades of Soviet power in Russia, cultural traditions associated with French wines have been lost. Therefore, now their inquisitive fans have to fill the gaps in their knowledge in this area.
Бургундии, исторической области Франции, мир owes a lot. Indeed, a photograph, a cinema, a CD reading head were invented here, and Gustav Eiffel was born here. Gourmets appreciate Burgundy for Dijon mustard, gingerbread, Creme de Cassis liqueur and, of course, first-class wines.
Хотя по всем показателям этот географический The region seems to be completely unsuitable for winemaking. Nevertheless, according to Denis Du Bordier, professor of enology, it is on the border of cold and warm climate that great wines appear. And Burgundy in this regard can be considered a good example.
Soil-climatic factors and weather conditionsThe region is constantly challenged by local winemakers. Some of them even have to use heat generators in their vineyards. Thus, the Burgundian wines are the result of selfless labor and the love of the locals for their land.
Despite the difficult climatic conditionswinemaking in Burgundy has long been involved. A significant role in the development of this branch of agriculture was made by the abbeys of the Benedictines and the Cistercians. In the Middle Ages, the monks were not only bred some now known grape varieties, but also developed many winemaking techniques. In other words, Burgundy is not least obliged by world renown to inventive holy fathers.
Долгое время продукция местных виноделов delivered only to the french market. To import it in small quantities began just a few centuries ago. Burgundy wine in Russia first came in the XVI century. and was called "Romagne".
Today the region’s winemaking capital iscity of bon. Burgundy itself can not be called a major producer of alcoholic beverages. Only 3% of French commercial wines are produced here. At the same time 70% of the harvest, collected by 4200 manufacturers, bottled 150 merchants.
Wine-making estates are called “propriety” or “domains”. If the vineyard is the property of one owner, then on the label of the wine you can find the designation Monopole.
Burgundy is the northernmost European region where decent red wines are produced. The main grapes used to produce both red and white wines are as follows:
The first classification of the region was carried out in1861 However, after the introduction of the nationwide appellation system in 1935, the systematization of the Burgundian wines was changed. Under the appellation is understood the geographical area where the grapes were grown, as well as the established rules for the production of wine.
Today, the best vineyards of the region are called "Grand Cru" and "Premier Cru". They are followed by regional or communal appellations. Sparkling Burgundy wines have their own name - Cremant de Bourgogne.
The most famous regional appellations, where about 64% of all Burgundian wines are produced, include:
Burgundy has several major wine-producing subregions:
It is here that produces most of the best wines of Burgundy, which we will see below.
This subregion is probably the most famous inRussia, from the XVIII century. It usually produces dry wines with characteristic mineral tones, as the soils of Chablis are rich in limestone. Four appellations produce 23% of all Burgundy wines:
For wines from Chablis a great year of harvest. According to experts, the best in this respect are the millezims of 2002, 2005 and 2010.
The wines produced in this subregionexported to many countries. For example, “Montrache” with a light nutty flavor is considered, and not without reason, one of the best in the world. He was appreciated by Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Dumas, and nowadays a box of this white wine from Burgundy (harvest 1990) was sold at Sotheby’s auction for 62 thousand dollars.
The flourishing commune of Meursault cultivatesmainly grape "Chardonnay". Wines here have been produced since Christmas 1098, that is, almost a thousand years. Oenologists, experts in the field of winemaking, give them an unexpected characteristic: oily, fleshy and with a rich taste.
In addition to whites, in the Côte de Beaune subregion,and red wines. Apellason Pommard is known for strong, structured wines from Pinot Noir. From it, on the contrary, at Appealon Volne, they produce elegant, refined alcoholic beverages.
13% вин Бургундии бутилируют именно здесь.They are distinguished by deep color and delicate taste. The wines from Côte de Nuits were loved by Napoleon Bonaparte and Charles de Gaulle. Even relatively young drinks in this region cause a stir among connoisseurs. For example, in 2012, six bottles of the 2005 crop were sold at Christie's auction for 20 thousand dollars.
Although the monopoly of La Romana- one of the smallest appellations of France, the wines produced here are considered the most expensive and rare in the world. And it is not surprising, because only 300 boxes are produced per year.
Neighboring Romane-Conti is famous for the fact that onceit was owned by Prince de Conti, who fought for the right to possess him with the Marquis de Pompadour, the favorite of Louis XV. Today, the production of this exclusive vineyard is highly valued. Thus, in 2013, a record amount of $ 1.6 million was paid for the collection of Romane-Conti wines (114 bottles).
Это самый крупный и в то же время самый южный wine region of Burgundy. Almost 80% of its territory is occupied by vineyards of the classic Chardonnay variety. The tradition of white wine production has deep roots in Macon. The first local winemakers are the monks of Cluny Abbey, founded in 909.
Young sparkling drink "Beaujolais" acquiredtruly world-wide fame, after starting every year since 1951, a celebration is held in his honor. And today, at the end of November, the wine of the new crop is tasted not only in France, but also in other countries. For example, in Russia the celebration of young wine has been officially celebrated since 1999.
"Beaujolais Nouveau" - red wine of Burgundy, whichproduced in the amount of approximately 40 million bottles per year. Strange as it may seem, the Japanese are the world leaders in its consumption. They drink about a third of the crop.
The popularity of Beaujolais Nouveau is logical, since the noble drink is fresh, pleasant softness and the ability to quench thirst well.
Professionals assure that wine should be drunk from glasses specifically designed to drink a particular brand. So their multifaceted aroma is fully revealed.
Glasses for Burgundy wines have a volume of about 700 mland in shape resemble a large apple. Due to the wide area of contact of the drink with oxygen, its various flavor notes interact as much as possible, fully revealing the aroma and exquisite taste. At the same time, the increased acidity of Burgundy wines is compensated by the wide rim of the glass.
