Burgundian Wine Grapes: Main Regions

Burgundian Wine Grapes: Main Regions

• Burgundy • Burgundy Wine Region • Fine Wine Blog • Wine Grapes

Burgundian Wine Grapes: Main Regions & Famous Varietals

ns, Chablis lies halfway in-between the Cote d’Or region and Paris. The region is known solely for its dry, white wine.
Chablis has some of the world’s best Chardonnays, which are not oaked, and recognizable for their steely, dry palate and light flavors of lemon.

2. The Côte de Nuits

The recognized home to some of the best red Burgundian wine grapes, the region also produces overshadowed white wine. By and far, the majority of Grands and Premiers Crus wines originate in this region.
It is known, along with Cote de Beaune, as the “Golden Slopes” of Burgundy, for its revered villages including Gevery-Chambertin and the ability to produce some of the most valuable wine in the world.
Excellent examples of this wine are this Comte de Vogue Bonnes Mares, 2002 and this Domaine de la Romanee Conti La Tache, 2002.

3. The Côte de Beaune

Along with the Cote de Nuits, the Cote de Beaune makes up the other half of the “Golden Slopes” of Burgundy, though this part is known for the greatest white Burgundies (as the reds are overshadowed).
Other than Chablis, this region creates the best white Burgundies.
Cote de Beaune also has one red Grand Cru, from Corton, and has other less revered (but much cheaper) Pinot Noirs.

4. The Côte Chalonnaise

Compared to the other regions, the Cote Challonnaise is considered a lesser district, though it still produces excellent red and white wines, known for mid-range bottles that keep for about 5 years.

5. The Mâconnais

The southernmost region of Burgundy, the Maconnais produces cheaper wines of excellent value, made to be consumed young and not aged. It is best known for fresh Chardonnay whites, and Pouilly-Fuisse and St-Veran are two of the best vineyards.

Most Popular Burgundian Wine Grapes

All of the great Burgundies, whether red or white, are made from a single grape variety and are therefore un-blended. This sets the region vastly apart from Bordeaux, where most of the great wines are blends.
Famous Burgundian wine grapes include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Aligote, and to a lesser degree – Sauvignon, Cesar, Pinot Beurot, Sacy, and Melon. We explore them below.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is the most common grape of Burgundy, with over 48% of the region’s land being under this type of wine. Chablis, Macon, and Cote d’Or white wines are produced from 100% Chardonnay.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir accounts for 34% of the land under vine in Burgundy. The majority of the Cote d’Or region is focused on this grape, and in the Cote de Nuits region, this grape and other red grapes make up more than 90% of the production.

Other Grapes

Other Burgundian wine grapes worth mentioning are Gamay (a red grape) that makes up 10% of total production in the famous wine region, and Aligote (a white grape) that makes up 6%.
The others (including Sauvignon, Cesar, Pinot Beurot, Sacy, and Melon) make up less than 2% of the production overall.
These grapes are considered “second status,” and are never used in the best wines – however they do contribute toward budget bottles and are increasingly common further south.

Acquiring Fine Burgundy Wine

Whatever your favourite Burgundian grape variety is, we’d like to invite you to bring home a Burgundy fine wine today.
Check out our online wine shop – where a comprehensive collection of France’s best Burgundies (and more) are only a few clicks away from arriving at your doorstep!
For any wine-related questions or queries, please feel free to write us a short message or give us a call at any time. Our wine experts will respond promptly, and will be happy to help!
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Autumn Wines: 7 Best Wine Recommendations This Fall | Moncharm - Fine wine Merchants

Autumn Wines: 7 Best Wine Recommendations This Fall | Moncharm - Fine wine Merchants

http://www.moncharm.co.uk/blog/autumn-wines/

Autumn wines are a smart purchase because most vineyards switch over to a new harvest in the fall, wholesalers and retailers greatly discount existing stock. Your pound will go a lot further with your wine purchase at this time of year.

Even if you don’t generally tend to buy wine, an autumn wine can make an excellent inexpensive gift, or you can stock up for later dinners or events. Better yet, put your autumn wine purchases to use this season!

Unsure which wines to pick? Check out the top 7 best opportunities to drink autumn wines blow!

1. ENJOY THE LAST BRIGHT AFTERNOONS

Fall cues the last nice afternoons with enjoyable temperatures. This is the season to enjoy your final garden sundowners before winter sweeps in!

Take advantage with an excellent autumn wine – such as this Crémant de Limoux NV – which provides freshness and bubbles, but this time with more structure and elegance following the season changing!

2. HOST A FORMAL FALL GATHERING OF FRIENDS

Autumn is the perfect time to gather together friends for a dinner party with wine. Moreover, timing your party in the fall will beat the stress and competition of the overloaded Christmas season.

The perfect autumn wine for such an event would be a glass of this Crémant de Limoux Rosé NV. The lovely pink touch provides a bright element and softens the atmosphere with its delicate tender foam character.

This autumn wine will bring a touch of glamour and sophistication to any event.

3. PAIR YOUR SEASONAL DISHES WITH FLAIR

Fall is associated with foods like mushrooms, chestnuts, truffles, parsnips, pumpkins, and figs. Your autumn wine will ideally adapt to these rich and seasonal flavours.

Our velvety and concentrated 14" target="_blank">Felin Noir from Languedoc
is an excellent autumn wine choice for expert pairings. The same goes for this Marchesi di Barolo Riserva, 2004 – an especially excellent match for a white truffle dish during a special dinner.

4. PLAN A CASUAL SPORTS-CENTRED PARTY

Sometimes, the focus is on your favourite team, and your autumn wine should simply provide backup. When hosting a casual event, like a major football match, you need a wine to be enjoyable on its own and easy to pair with snacks.

Two of the best suggestions for fun, fresh autumn wines are this Saumur Blanc “Elegance” (with lemony, crispy notes and refreshing character), and this Ntisu Rosso, 2012 because of its lightness, featuring floral and young fruit flavours.

5. PULL OFF A SUNDAY MEAL SHOW-OFF WITH YOUR EXTENDED FAMILY

Do you have tough-to-impress in-laws, or maybe you’ve set the bar extremely high in past years. Regardless of the reason, planning a successfully impressive Sunday meal is simple with the right autumn wine.

The Les Demoiselles de Larrivet Haut Brion, 2011 from the famous Bordeaux region will blow them away with class and quality at a reasonable price. You cannot go wrong with this traditional choice – the palate is round and well balanced by silky tannins, with no harshness or bitterness.

6. INDULGE YOURSELF

You’ve worked hard and played hard all summer long. This fall, you deserve a break. Treat yourself one evening with easy comfort food and an excellent autumn wine.

Pull out any leftover cheeses, chutneys, honey, crackers, and bread and arrange them on a board.

Have a planned-ahead purchase of this Blanquette de Limoux Methode Ancestrale, the perfect match of sweetness and palate-cooling fresh bubbles for your lazy and well-deserved night in.

7. BRING YOUR HOLIDAYS HOME WITH YOU

After spending summer days lying on the beach, sipping rose, watching the waves, it can be tough to come back to your fall routine.

It’d be pretty hard to transport the sand and blue sea with you back home, but you can definitely bring your favourite rose into the fall.

An excellent choice for a summery autumn wine – this Colette Rosé of Côtes de Provence has a pleasant approach with strawberry notes, as well as a pink melony option that is always easy to match.

TAKING ADVANTAGE OF AUTUMN WINES

Take advantage of the best autumn wine offers today, inside our online Retail Wine store where we provide a large selection of the best value wines available – all just a call away from arriving at your doorstep

Autumn wines are a smart purchase because most vineyards switch over to a new harvest in the fall, wholesalers and retailers greatly discount existing stock. Your pound will go a lot further with your wine purchase at this time of year.

Even if you don’t generally tend to buy wine, an autumn wine can make an excellent inexpensive gift, or you can stock up for later dinners or events. Better yet, put your autumn wine purchases to use this season!

Unsure which wines to pick? Check out the top 7 best opportunities to drink autumn wines blow!

1. ENJOY THE LAST BRIGHT AFTERNOONS

Fall cues the last nice afternoons with enjoyable temperatures. This is the season to enjoy your final garden sundowners before winter sweeps in!

Take advantage with an excellent autumn wine – such as this Crémant de Limoux NV – which provides freshness and bubbles, but this time with more structure and elegance following the season changing!

2. HOST A FORMAL FALL GATHERING OF FRIENDS

Autumn is the perfect time to gather together friends for a dinner party with wine. Moreover, timing your party in the fall will beat the stress and competition of the overloaded Christmas season.

The perfect autumn wine for such an event would be a glass of this Crémant de Limoux Rosé NV. The lovely pink touch provides a bright element and softens the atmosphere with its delicate tender foam character.

This autumn wine will bring a touch of glamour and sophistication to any event.

3. PAIR YOUR SEASONAL DISHES WITH FLAIR

Fall is associated with foods like mushrooms, chestnuts, truffles, parsnips, pumpkins, and figs. Your autumn wine will ideally adapt to these rich and seasonal flavours.

Our velvety and concentrated Felin Noir from Languedoc is an excellent autumn wine choice for expert pairings. The same goes for this Marchesi di Barolo Riserva, 2004 – an especially excellent match for a white truffle dish during a special dinner.

4. PLAN A CASUAL SPORTS-CENTRED PARTY

Sometimes, the focus is on your favourite team, and your autumn wine should simply provide backup. When hosting a casual event, like a major football match, you need a wine to be enjoyable on its own and easy to pair with snacks.

Two of the best suggestions for fun, fresh autumn wines are this Saumur Blanc “Elegance” (with lemony, crispy notes and refreshing character), and this Ntisu Rosso, 2012 because of its lightness, featuring floral and young fruit flavours.

5. PULL OFF A SUNDAY MEAL SHOW-OFF WITH YOUR EXTENDED FAMILY

Do you have tough-to-impress in-laws, or maybe you’ve set the bar extremely high in past years. Regardless of the reason, planning a successfully impressive Sunday meal is simple with the right autumn wine.

The Les Demoiselles de Larrivet Haut Brion, 2011 from the famous Bordeaux region will blow them away with class and quality at a reasonable price. You cannot go wrong with this traditional choice – the palate is round and well balanced by silky tannins, with no harshness or bitterness.

6. INDULGE YOURSELF

You’ve worked hard and played hard all summer long. This fall, you deserve a break. Treat yourself one evening with easy comfort food and an excellent autumn wine.

Pull out any leftover cheeses, chutneys, honey, crackers, and bread and arrange them on a board.

Have a planned-ahead purchase of this Blanquette de Limoux Methode Ancestrale, the perfect match of sweetness and palate-cooling fresh bubbles for your lazy and well-deserved night in.

7. BRING YOUR HOLIDAYS HOME WITH YOU

After spending summer days lying on the beach, sipping rose, watching the waves, it can be tough to come back to your fall routine.

It’d be pretty hard to transport the sand and blue sea with you back home, but you can definitely bring your favourite rose into the fall.

An excellent choice for a summery autumn wine – this Colette Rosé of Côtes de Provence has a pleasant approach with strawberry notes, as well as a pink melony option that is always easy to match.

TAKING ADVANTAGE OF AUTUMN WINES

Take advantage of the best autumn wine offers today, inside our online Retail Wine store where we provide a large selection of the best value wines available – all just a call away from arriving at your doorstep

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Types of wine glasses: how to pick the ideal one for your fine wine

Types of wine glasses: how to pick the ideal one for your fine wine

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WINE AROMAS: WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?

In case you're a kindred wine significant other who likes to peruse tasting notes, we're sure you've more than once discovered different depictions, for example, "the mind boggling bunch is rich with notes of earth; dark products of the soil pencil interlaced in notes of minerals and oak wood."

Numerous amateurs that find their newly discovered adoration for fine wine are regularly left pondering. What does this portrayal mean? Where did these wine flavors originate from? Did they really mix dark organic product into this wine? Furthermore, what on Earth does "earth" mean?

In today's article we will demystify wine fragrances. You'll realize where they originate from, what they mean, and how you can recognize them yourself whenever you taste wine. We should begin!

WHERE DO WINE AROMAS COME FROM?

Most importantly, its critical to note the contrast between a wine's smells and a wine's taste. The wine smell has an inseparable tie to our feeling of smell. The wine taste has an inseparable tie to the different faculties inside our mouth. Joined, they bring about wine flavors.

Since an imperative piece of the wine sampling knowledge happens inside our nose, broad examination has been led over the course of the years to better see how the wide mixed bag of wine smells come to be.

So, wine smells are the consequence of many distinctive mixes (counting alcohols) that join to give a wide mixed bag of special saw fragrances. Since when we drink wine we may feel a strawberry surface joined with a marginally acrid taste in our mouth, and a sweet scent in our nose, our mind is prone to assemble the pieces and let us know we're tasting strawberries.

The exacerbates that give a wine's smells contrast for each wine, and they are impacted at 3 stages.

1. THE GRAPE GROWING PROCESS

Known as essential wine smells, they're impacted by the kind of grape utilized, and the environment that it developed in. Smells in this gathering incorporate earth (petroleum, red beet, volcanic rock, and so forth.), organic product, natural, flavor, and others.

A gritty vintage that blasts onto the sense of taste with dull organic products, this Ch. Pontet Canet, 2006 is a brilliant case that takes its fragrances from a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit-Verdot.

2. Aging

Known as optional wine smells, they're affected by the aging procedure – which includes yeast and different organisms. Maturation impelled smells incorporate mushroom, truffle, ale, spread, cream, and others.

An extraordinary sample of Champagne no doubt understood for its velvety, aging instigated fragrances joined by a vivacious blast of fruity notes is this Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Rose, 2005.

3. Maturing PROCESS

Known as tertiary smells (or the wine's "bunch"), they are the aftereffect of maturing (time spent in jugs or oak barrels, and in addition oxidation). Smells got from general maturing incorporate tobacco, espresso, and dried organic product. Fragrances got from oak maturing incorporate vanilla, smoke and coconut.

This Tignanello, 2008 is one of our most loved Super Tuscans, and a magnum opus known for its relentless smoke and tobacco bundle, joined by notes of dark cherries.

WINE AROMAS IN PRACTICE

You can utilize the bearings in this article to bind your own inclinations in wine fragrances!

By observing what you feel whenever you have your most loved wine, you'll start to build up your own flavor profile. This will permit you to investigate new wine mixed bags that have inconspicuous likenesses to wines you know you like, taking the mystery out of the comparison.

Also, meanwhile, why not examine our online wine shop? We highlight an uncommon choice of the world's finest wines, each with its own arrangement of smells holding up to be found.

WINE COLLECTING 101: THE GUIDE FOR THE BEGINNING COLLECTOR

Are you interested in exploring the idea of collecting fine wine? There are many reasons to pursue this, and if you are enthusiastic about wine, with the passion to collect the most outstanding of vintages, then you are in the right place.

A substantial majority of collectors tend to lean toward the Bordeaux region, for its superb ability to age well with long drinkability value. Other valuable collection-worthy regions include Tuscany, Italy and Napa Valley, California.

Let’s review some of the superior wines from these regions that would make outstanding choices for your collection, followed by basic storage tips to keep your collection safe and in top condition.

Moncharm Bordeaux – France

Without question, the Bordeaux region of France is the most famous in the world, and rightfully so. This is undoubtedly a “go-to” place with which to begin your fine wine collection.

While in the United States, wines tend to be produced from a single grape variety, the Bordeaux wines are blends. Three grape varieties in a wine is typical, though one variety is dominant in most cases.

This Château Pavie 2003 is a masterful blend of Merlot (70%), Cabernet Franc (20%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%). Luxurious deep purple color, intoxicating aromas of blackberry, black cherries and balsamic, and a deeply rich treat for the palate. While perfectly enjoyable now, the tannic structure of this wine also makes it an excellent choice for at least a decade of storage.

Moncharm, Tuscany – Italy

Italy’s finest wine region is Tuscany - it is renowned for its vintage status, romantic history, and the superior indigenous and famous grape variety Sangiovese. The revered Sassicaia, Ornellaia and Tignanello Wineries are another reason this region is so famed and beloved.

This Solaia 2007 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (75%), Sangiovese (20%), rounded out with Cabernet Franc. This standout vintage dark ruby wine is dense with black currants, tobacco and spice aromas. The flavors are full-bodied and rich, with an outstandingly long finish. Cellar time for this jewel will only improve this fine wine - all the way up to 2040.

Napa Valley – California

All the way across the globe from Europe, Napa Valley in California, U.S.A. is nevertheless one of the most famous wine regions in the world. It has the serendipity of having the perfect wine-making trifecta: a Mediterranean climate, an ideal geography, and geology that all come together to make the perfect grape.

This Screaming Eagle 2009 is young but with a mature quality. Perfumed nose with hints of eucalyptus, mint, spice and earth. Flavors of dark red berries, spice and rose notes, and a dense, multilayered palate. Very long finish, and can be stored for full enjoyment between 2017 - 2029.

Moncharm Storing Your Fine Wine

Temperature, light, and humidity are the three critical factors to keep in mind when storing your wine. The ideal range of temperature for storing red wine is 50-55ºF or 10-16ºC. You will want to keep humidity for wine storage in the range of 60-75% RH.

Investing in a good wine storage software system might be a good idea as well, since it can assist you in ensuring the ideal environment for your collection.

Also keep in mind the aging capability of your wines. A good rule of thumb is that the more expensive the wine, the longer the aging period. For example, premium Bordeaux wines are capable of long aging, while the less expensive wines (Zinfandels, table wines) are meant to be enjoyed immediately and do not age well.

Some wine collectors like to buy two of every bottle as they collect – so they can take notes on the first bottle to compare to later years.

Are you ready?

Starting a fine wine collection is an excellent pursuit. You can find many of the world’s finest in our wine shop. Please contact us should you have questions (or if you need assistance in your choices) – our experts respond promptly and will always be happy to assist you.

MONCHARM - WINE-FOOD PAIRINGS – 4 SUPERB COMBINATIONS FOR A FINE TOUCH

Whether you are planning a grand event, a small dinner party, or an intimate dinner for two, ensuring you have the consummate wine and food pairings is a fine touch.
If you are new or inexperienced when it comes to pairing wine and food, think of it as an enjoyable challenge - don’t be intimidated. Food and wine pairing is like an artistic endeavor, so have some fun with it, and don’t be fooled by hard and fast rules.
It's all about thinking outside the wine bottle, so to speak. Let’s look at four outstanding wines, and play around with some new ideas.

1. Merlot
Merlot unfortunately (and unfairly) took a huge hit following the movie “Sideways” in 2004. Sometimes dubbed “The Sideways Effect,” sales of Merlot took a dive when the lead character in the movie stubbornly refused to touch it.
However, Merlot has stood the test of time, and deservedly so. It harmonizes beautifully with a number of dishes and tastes, and is a fabulous choice for poultry dishes or light meats. Medium-bodied Merlot is a perfect accompaniment to a simple roast chicken dinner. So pick this one when you want to serve something simple, but refined.
For an elegant, medium-bodied version, try Château Pavie Decesse 2008. This blend (90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc) brings aromatics of boysenberry, jammy black fruit, coffee, an abundance of fine tannins, combined with layers of rich ripe fruit. Wait until about 2016 for the richest experience.

2. Cabernet Sauvignon
This savory wine has a high amount of tannins, which makes it more complex and layered. Some describe it as deep and earthy. Good for pairing with fatty meat dishes, or other rich, flavorful foods.
Have a fun evening of gourmet pizza making with a group of friends, and get out the Sassicaia 2006, an exquisite blend of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon (85%) and Cabernet Franc (15%). You will delight in the intoxicating scent of ripe dark fruits and cedar, without being overpowered.

3. Pinot Noir
The plush, velvet, earthy and smoky, sweet-berry, spice-toned qualities of Pinot Noir make it a perfect match for traditionally “white wine dishes.” Begin your dinner with an assortment of mild, creamy cheeses (such as Camembert, Brie or Havarti) and pair it with DRC Romanée-St-Vivant 2007.
This multi-layered, aromatically complex wine has the full spectrum of perfume, spice, sweet dark cherries and other dark fruits.
For a superb pairing that will make your guests quite happy, prepare a savory herb and garlic roasted pork tenderloin, and homemade mashed potatoes made with real cream and butter. The fruity tones in the wine are a perfect complement to the heavier meal.

4. Champagne
Everyone knows that you serve Champagne with oysters and caviar, right? Well, sometimes. Other times you’d rather enjoy a delightful taste of Champagne minus the tuxedo or evening gown.
Enjoy a casual yet intimate “snack-style” dinner for two by breaking out the Krug 1996 and kicking back with some fried mushrooms, or cocktail sausages. If you’re shocked, don’t be. Hearty, rich snack foods are decadent when paired with Champagne.
Krug 1996 delights aromatically with tangy lemony apple, and a fresh feel. This golden potion balances out the heavier flavors of rich, salty snack foods.

Have fun with it!
Just as with cooking, you can mix and match flavors, break some rules, and just play around with it!
Find these wines and more at our Moncharm wine shop, where you will have a tremendous choice of wines and spirits to choose for your enjoyment. Please contact us should you have any questions or queries – our experts will happily assist you.

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