One of the most commonly seen appellations of Burgundy, this is a prime example of the complexity, and also simplicity, of the Burgundy appellation system. The rules of the AOC mean that on this level the wine can come from any vineyard area within Burgundy and must be a minimum of 85% Pinot Noir, with a maximum yield of 55hl/ha.
On one hand you have the large names of Burgundy, negociants such as Drouhin, Faiveley and Louis Latour, who essentially purchase stocks of wine from all the Burgundy regions and blend them together to make up export orders and to fill the demand for Burgundy, with evocative names such as Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne Romanée and Nuits-St-Georges. With lesser appellations such as Bourgogne AOC, these large blenders will often blend dozens of producer’s wines together, irrespective of their quality and typicity. However great Bourgogne Pinot Noir can be found, offering a style and quality far above its humble AOC labelling. Wines from top producers in famous villages are all available, albeit in smaller quantities, yet at remarkably attractive prices. These great domaines will often have a lower yield, more concentration, more typicity and a great degree of regional characteristics, as well as age worthiness and breeding. The name of the producer, however, is crucial to finding a decent bottle.
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