Brilliant Burgundies
Dive into Burgundian classifications with these sure-fire picks from our staff.
Chenas Christophe Pacalet $26.96
A low-intervention wine that shows exactly why Gamay Noir works so well with this style as it is earthy but not funky and very quaffable. Expect aromatics of a forest floor after the rain, tart red cherries, and cranberries. Slightly fruity on the palate initially but this wine finishes dry. Drink with a salty cured meat. – Archie Archuleta, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Chablis, Vincent Tremblay $31.96
Gerard Tremblay is the 5th-generation owner of this domain. He practices sustainable viticulture. It’s a delicious wine where flavors are well balanced: green apple and citrus notes are followed by a pronounced minerality caused by a soil full of fossilized shells called Kimmeridgian. Smooth on the palate but, at the same time, full of flavors! – Andrea Fraccari, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Viré-Clessé, Dom. de Roally – 2020 $34.96
The great natural wine importer Louis Dressner will tell you that Domaine du Roally was their first contact with organic/low intervention wine. Since then, they have never looked back. Fruity, nutty, and lively on the palate, this Chardonnay will raise your spirits as the day temps get cozier. Unoaked for freshness. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
As Burgundy becomes more and more unapproachable to the casual and curious wine drinker; there remains a small area in the Mâcon that is defying the trend, delivering affordable world-class wines: the towns of Viré-Clessé. This outstanding example of White Burgundy features fragrant notes of lemon and thyme on the nose. Balanced minerality developed in the clay-limestone soil throughout the property. A reassuringly fresh sip that is perfect for a light bite and peaceful evening on the couch. – Evan Cucciniello, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Bourgogne Passetoutgrain, R. Chevillon $41.96
Brothers Bertrand and Denis Chevillon’s Passetoutgrain is an enchanting entry into their work. It’s a blend of 1/3 Pinot Noir and 2/3 Gamay sourced from three lieux-dits around the village of Nuits-Saint-Georges. It possesses an earthy, mineral backbone and blossoms with hibiscus, rose petals, black cherry, and camphor while the partial new oak adds a touch more structure to this stellar wine. – Jose Banegas, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Bourgogne Blanc “Le Clos du Château”, Dom. de Montille – 2020 $44.99
With its myriad appellations and classifications, Burgundy can seem unwieldy and complicated. And that’s because it is. For those willing to take the plunge, however, rewards await. One way to begin deciphering this enigma is by finding good producers. Domaine de Montille dates back to the 1700s, but has earned a stellar reputation over the last 70 years through the efforts of Hubert de Montille and his son Etienne. They rebuilt, expanded, and revitalized their holdings, even converting to biodynamics in 2005. Their entry-level Bourgogne Blanc is an incredible value. A kind of baby Puligny-Montrachet, it lures you in with aromas of lemon cream, white peach, wet stone, and a hint of oak, while the palate is fresh and focused with pear, quince, and a lovely mineral streak. – Amy Miller, Sales Manager