The taste in the world of wine is changing. In the post-Parker era, wine enthusiasts, connoisseurs, and collectors no longer favor the bold, rich, oaked wines. Instead, the palate has shifted towards a preference for elegance and finesse. Burgundy has emerged as a new favorite in recent years.

Consequently, the price of Burgundy wines continues to rise year by year, especially the wines from renowned producers and prestigious villages and climates. Is great Burgundy wine unaffordable for more budget-concerned wine lovers? Not necessarily. Chambertin or Montrachet may not be within the reach of everyone. There are hidden gems within the region that offer exceptional value for budget-conscious wine lovers.

Curious about what is a “Value Wine”? Head over to yesterday’s story by Peter Douglas!

The wine trail “la Route des Grands Crus” in Burgundy (Photo: Ian Taylor, Unspash.com)

Fixin

Cote de Nuits is the home to the most expensive wines in the world. The region is no short of big names, any other high-quality wine region would be dwarfed by Vosne-Romanee, Gevrey-Chambertin, or Chambolle-Musigny. Fixin is situated on the northern side of Cote de Nuits, adjacent to the famed Gevrey-Chambertin. With over 90% of its production being red wines, Fixin is often regarded as the "rustic cousin" of the highly acclaimed villages in the region. The terroir is akin to that of Gevrey-Chambertin but with shorter slopes and more alluvial soils. Clos de la Perrière, one of the five Premier Crus of Fixin, was once classified as a Grand Cru by Dr. Jean Lavallé in 1855. Although there’s no longer a Grand Cru in the village, Fixin still produces great wines with structure, complexity, and great aging potential. The best Pinot Noirs from Fixin normally cost no more than $100 and Fixin Village wine is probably the best bargain you can find in Côte de Nuits.

Pernand-Vergelesses

Situated at the northern end of Cote de Beaune, surrounded by Corton and Corton-Charlemagne Grand Crus, Pernand-Vergelesses is renowned for its flinty, structured whites with bracing acidity, thanks to the east and northeast vineyard exposure and marls in the soil. Although the village produces both red and white wines, its whites are particularly esteemed for their aging potential and evolving complex flavors. Reds from mid-slope vineyards, while not as complex as those from Pommard or Volnay, exhibit a fleshy character with a solid backbone. A quality Pernand-Vergelesses wine can be acquired for around $40, representing a fraction of the cost compared to its more famous neighbors.

Saint Aubin

Speaking of top-quality Burgundy wines, Saint Aubin is not to miss. The village in Cote de Beaune features nearly three-quarters of its sites have premier cru status, producing both great red and white wines. Lying between Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet, the east and southeast-facing vineyards in Saint Aubin feature clay-rich soil and steep slopes. Chardonnay grows on white clays with a high limestone content while Pinot Noir prefers brownish clays. White Saint Aubin wines are rich, expressive, and elegant, not overly voluptuous, while the reds are lively and charming—a perfect introduction to Burgundy reds. The best examples of Saint Aubin may be more pricey than Pernand-Vergelesses, but the majority of high-quality reds and whites are available for under $50.

Saint Véran

Coming to the southmost subregion in Burgundy, Maconnais is known for fuller-bodied Chardonnay that exudes white flowers, juicy orchard fruits, tropical fruits, and honeyed notes. Neighboring Maconnais’ more famous village Pouilly-Fuissé, Saint Véran is relatively new and gained its AOC status only in 1971. Producing exclusively white wines, the warmer climate and chalky clay soil in Saint Véran result in wines that are generally fruity, packed with aromas of honeysuckle, peach, or fresh almond, and a flinty minerality on the palate. Expect a nice surprise of a 30-buck Burgundy white can offer.

These hidden gems highlight the diverse and approachable side of Burgundy, from the rustic appeal of Fixin to the flinty whites of Pernand-Vergelesses, the elegance of Saint Aubin, and the affordable delights of Saint Véran. Dear VinoVossers, discover the best value Burgundy regions and savor the complexity of Burgundy without going over budget. Cheers from the VinoVoss team!

Sylvia Ba