Value Versus Price – Discovering Hidden Gem Burgundy White Wines

 

Burgundy White Wines That Offer The Best Value For Their Price

Even in an established and world­ famous market such as that of Burgundy wine, there are pitfalls for the unwary. You might think that everything made in Burgundy is of the highest quality, but it’s just not true. Burgundy is like any living, breathing marketplace – subject to variation and so the buyer always has to be careful when choosing a wine. This goes for any wine market around the world. Don’t assume anything. Here at BurgundyWine.com we’ve spent a lifetime getting to know the best small appellation winemakers in the Burgundy region, which is why we can say with confidence that what you find on our site are the best wines, delivering great value for money for you, and representing some of the most fascinating hidden gem wines you probably won’t find anywhere else.

 

Punching Above Their Weight

One of the biggest factors influencing the price of Burgundy white wines is terroir—the unique combination of geography, geology and climate in a vineyard. The Burgundy region is perhaps the most renowned region in the world when it comes to terroir, with each vineyard producing grapes that express the distinct characteristics of the soil they are grown in. The best terroirs – the Premier and Grand Cru vineyards ­ yield grapes that often result in wines with unparalleled complexity and longevity. These extraordinary qualities, derived from meticulous vineyard management and production methods over the generations, justify their high prices and elevates their perceived value.

But… there are some wines which actually drink like wines in much higher classes than they are – and we specialise in them. Wines which in a blind tasting you would think were actually Premier or even Grand Cru... Take these two Burgundy white wine examples from our wine shop at BurgundyWine.com:

• Domaine Borgeot Bourgogne Blanc 'Clos De La Carbonade' – don’t let the modest pedigree of this wine fool you… This regional wine comes from the village of Bouzeron, the northernmost village of the Côte Chalonnaise, specifically a unique but small parcel owned by the exceptional winemakers at Domaine Borgeot. The Borgeot brothers are best known for their village ­level and Premier Cru wines from Burgundy's "golden triangle" in the Côte de Beaune, but this village wine from Côte Chalonnaise should not be overlooked. Year after year, Domaine Borgeot produces wines that outshine much larger, more prestigious appellations than Bourgogne, and their Clos de la Carbonade (or Clos Carb, as we affectionately call it) is no exception. This Bourgogne 'Clos de la Carbonade' is from a single vineyard plot, entirely owned by the Borgeot family, and the wine they produce there is one of the greatest surprise in our shop. Despite its humble origins, the 'Clos de la Carbonade' possesses something truly special. Each year, we see remarkable wines that surpass those from more renowned appellations than Bourgogne. The Borgeots cannot explain the phenomenon yet, but a geological study is currently underway to uncover what makes this parcel so exceptional.

• Domaine Oudin Chablis – Again, this is not technically speaking a Premier or Grand Cru wine – the locals call this ‘village’ appellation wine “tout court” – but it’s a perfectionist’s wine even at this level. You get lots of the famous river ­rock minerality that Chablis is so beloved for, but also a flowery freshness. This wine is at its peak now but will stay there for some years yet. If you want to whet your appetite for the Domaine Oudin’s style, then this is the place to start.

 

 

Finding Everyday Burgundy White Wines: Price vs Value

When it comes to wine, particularly the revered white wines of Burgundy, the terms "value" and "price" can sometimes be confusing. Burgundy whites can range from affordable to astronomical when it comes to price, leaving many wine enthusiasts pondering why certain bottles carry such hefty price tags.

The price of a wine is an objective measure; it’s what the market demands for that particular bottle based on various factors, including shipping, cost of production, tariffs and retailer markups. White Burgundy wines come in at all price points along the spectrum. For example, you might find a basic Bourgogne Blanc for $30, while a highly sought­ after Meursault or Aloxe­-Corton could fetch several thousand dollars. The variation in price can be down to many factors; the vineyard's reputation, the specific vineyard's quality, and the wine's potential for aging.

In the context of wine, value is more subjective. It involves various factors, such as the wine's quality, complexity, depth of flavor, and the experience it offers to the drinker. A wine that delivers a profound experience can provide exceptional value, even if its price is higher than that of lesser­ quality wines. Value is ultimately about the satisfaction a consumer derives from the wine relative to its price.

 

40 Under $40…

Here’s our proof that you can drink great Burgundy wine every day without breaking the bank – just head to our online shop and select “Everyday Burgundy Wines Under $40” and you’ll be presented with wines which we’ve personally tasted, met with the winemaker, and are proud to stock in our cellar. You won’t find any mediocrity here – no compromises, just great wines.

For those navigating the world of Burgundy white wines for the first time ­ or even if you’re a seasoned shopper ­ it’s essential to find the wines which provide the best personal value to you based on taste preferences and experience. Whether you enjoy a modest Bourgogne Blanc or splurge on a bottle of Montrachet, the key lies in the enjoyment and the story behind each glass. In the end, the best white Burgundy wines are those that resonate personally – perhaps you met the winemaker, or had a great meal in that village, or shared a bottle of it for a wedding or other special celebration. As Burgundy continues to evolve, so too will the dynamic interplay of value and price, inviting wine enthusiasts to explore and discover their favorites.

 

 

House Party At Ours?

If you haven’t yet discovered our baronial manor house nestling amongst the vines, then what are you waiting for? Book your getaway now and you can be our next guests, enjoying a Burgundy house party with your friends, being waited on hand and foot by us. It’s a superb location to begin your exploration of Burgundy, nearby to some of the best towns and cities in the region. You can also experience gastronomy like never before with our chef Ellie, take part in wine tastings, hire bikes, take hot air balloon trips and much more! Click here to start your adventure now.