Value Versus Price: Discovering 'Everyday' Burgundy Red Wines

Some wines are more expensive than others. Some Burgundies can be very expensive. Some punch way above their weight. That's where we come in. At burgundywine.com we look for "hidden gem" Burgundy wines. Yes, there are many still out there! Winemakers of passion with small holdings working hard to make something they believe in - something special. We have worked our way through hundreds of Burgundy's winemakers - there are about 4000! and selected about 40 winemakers that fit in this category and meet our criteria. Between them we have more than 300 cuvees. Living in Burgundy, living among these winemakers, means that everyday we learn a thing or two.  

Understanding how the terms value and price differ is important when navigating the Burgundy wine scene. While price mainly refers to monetary cost, value takes a broader perspective, considering a wine’s worth relative to quality, origin, and scarcity. By focusing on value, wine lovers can discover very affordable Burgundy reds - everyday Burgundy wines - that still offer the character and finesse that the region is known for. 

Why Are Some Burgundy Wines So Expensive? 

A bottle of Grand Cru red Burgundy, the highest classification of wine in the region, can fetch thousands of dollars, especially from renowned producers like Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. There are several reasons for these high prices: 

1. Scarcity: Burgundy is a relatively small wine-growing region in comparison to many others, with limited vineyard space. The ideal growing conditions for Pinot Noir—warm not hot, with well-draining soils—are difficult to replicate, making the wines from the region rare and often highly sought after. 
2. Historical Prestige: Burgundy’s long history as a top-tier wine-producing region is another reason its wines are in high demand. Many domaines (wineries) have centuries of winemaking heritage, which further boosts their reputation and value. 
3. Labor-Intensive Practices: Burgundy winemakers often follow traditional, labor-intensive techniques. These include manual harvests, low yields, and meticulous vineyard management, all of which contribute to higher production costs, which are reflected in the wine’s price. 
4. Ageability: Burgundy wines are known for their ability to age beautifully, developing additional complexity and depth over time. This quality adds to their allure and cost, as wines with great aging potential often command premium prices and are seen as great investments for the future.  

Discover These Red Everyday Burgundy Wines

Finding the special wines that aren’t going to break the bank led us to coining the maxim 'You can drink Burgundy every day'. And, of course what this means is we work hard everyday to find great wines, wines that punch above their price. Wines that are so affordable in the Burgundy space, that you can drink them every day if you want to. So here are some red wines that are our go-to everyday Burgundy wines: 

• Domaine Arcelain Bourgogne Rouge: Pommard is a great example of one of our ‘hidden gem’ appellations, which we specialise in hunting down for you. Located between two other great appellations (Beaune and Volnay), the producers here are red wine specialists, with no white wine being made in this commune. Despite not being as well known as many other Burgundy wines, what is made in Pommard is capable of great things indeed. Over the years, Pommard wines have become ever more subtle. Take this one from Michel Arcelain as an example. It is from hand-harvested grapes, matured for nearly two years in aged oak barrels. It’s not just a gutsy fruity wine; it takes these elements to new levels of finesse – on the nose are woody spices, then on the palate are cranberries, cassis, rose, and white pepper. It’s a timeless wine, a bit like the Arcelain domaine itself - and both only seem to get better with time.  

• Julien Cruchandeau Hautes Côtes De Nuits 'Les Cabottes': We love the appellation that this wine comes from so much we dedicated a whole article to it recently. Located just behind the Cote de Nuits, it covers 29 villages, many of which are prime candidates for “hidden gem” status… As the name suggests, there are many plots here which are higher up the slopes of the hillside – that means they enjoy cooler temperatures which do very well in our ever-warming climate. The wines these grapes produce have a freshness and acidity that some lower vineyards can’t attain. Julien Cruchandeau is a master of making wines in this appellation – this “Les Cabottes” is made half from 60-year-old vines and half from a plantation just 6 years old. He ferments them separately and then blends them, resulting in this exceptionally fruity wine, which is also very accessible and ready to drink now.  

Value in Burgundy: How to Find Affordable Wines for Everyday Drinking 

The key to finding great value in Burgundy lies in seeking out wines that offer quality without the premium pricing associated with high-end appellations. Here are some factors to consider when looking for red everyday Burgundy wines: 

• Village Wines: While grand cru wines are prestigious and expensive, Burgundy also produces a range of village-level wines that offer excellent quality at a more approachable price point. These wines come from specific villages within the region and are made using the same grape varieties and winemaking techniques as their more expensive counterparts. Some of these wines come from small, family-owned producers who are not as well known, making them more affordable while still delivering outstanding value. 

• Regional Wines: Beyond the village wines, Burgundy also offers regional wines classified as "Bourgogne" or "Bourgogne Rouge" (red Burgundy). These wines are made from grapes grown across a broader area, not tied to a specific village or vineyard. Although they lack the prestige of a premier or grand cru, many of these wines can offer remarkable quality at a fraction of the price. They’re perfect for everyday drinking, providing an introduction to Burgundy’s distinctive Pinot Noir character without the hefty price tag. 

• Younger Vintages: While older Burgundy wines can be prohibitively expensive due to their age and rarity, younger vintages are often much more affordable. Many wines from the recent past, particularly those from less hyped years, can be purchased at reasonable prices while still offering great potential for aging. They may not have reached their peak complexity, but they will still display the elegance and finesse Burgundy is known for. 

• Less Famous Producers: Burgundy’s most famous producers are often associated with sky-high prices. However, there are many lesser-known producers who create exceptional wines at more accessible prices. These winemakers may not have the same international recognition, but their commitment to quality and traditional winemaking practices results in wines that represent excellent value. 

• Organic and biodynamic wines: Occasionally, bottles from lesser-known sub-regions of Burgundy, or those made in different styles (such as organic or biodynamic), can offer unique expressions of the region's character. These wines may not have the high-profile labels of top-tier producers, but they can provide an authentic taste of Burgundy at a reasonable price. 

Discover These Everyday Burgundy Wines As Our Guest

We believe strongly that Burgundy wine tastes better in Burgundy... and where better to test our theory than our recently renovated Burgundy Wine Tasting Room at our home in Burgundy, Domaine de Cromey The tasting room used to be a winemaking facility back in the sixteenth century. We have lovingly given it a new lease of life so that our guests, who choose one of two ways to stay with us, can have somewhere stylish and relaxing to get to know these everyday Burgundy wines. We hope to see you soon!