Well, if it’s really the case, no one can claim surprise.
Outside of a modest few domaines’ modest few wines, the only real value in greater Burgundy – in recent vintages – has come from outside of the Côte d’Or. I have never bought more from Chablis, Mâconnais and Beaujolais – but at the same time, so little from the Côte d’Or – not in 30 years of purchasing…
But ‘Wolf!‘ has been cried for many years – let’s wait and see if it’s really the wolf at the door – shall we?! I still don’t know anybody who can buy Richebourg if they want some!
There are 4 responses to “Burgundy – more sellers than buyers?”
and why not mention the Côte Chalonnaise ? Stylistically close to the Côte de Beaune, wine prices are very much more reasonable than 10 kilometers further north …
Roelof – great to hear from you. I understand that you are now retired – but well done to you both!
I’m sure that ‘outside of the Côte d’Or‘ includes the Côtes Chalonnaise – it would be very boring if I had to write every single appellation outside the Côte d’Or to keep everyone happy – no? I await the indignant emails of Hautes Côtes, Chitry, Coulanges, Couchois (etcetera…) producers now 😉
Don’t forget the Bourgogne Côte D’Or and the Bourgogne-Passetoutgrain!
As I said, an almost unending list 😉
Unfortunately, the Bourgogne Côte d’Or label has seen a lot of optimistic pricing – but Passetoutgrains and also Côteaux Bourguignone in the last years have been a treasure trove – the gamays have kept a lovely freshness in vintages like 2018 where the pinots have sometimes been creaking…
Your point about Gamay adding freshness to the PTGs is an interesting one – I hadn’t thought about it that way. I do know I’m loving some of those wines – which can be just so delicious at 8 euro or so.
I completely agree with you, Bill.
Down here in Australia I can only shake my head when I see the prices for recent vintage offerings and ask “Who’s buying this stuff?”. It’s been looking like a bubble for a few years but I’ve been fortunate that, because of reserves and being of a certain age, it’s not personally of concern but I do feel for the younger enthusiasts.
Like you, my (irregular current) purchasing has moved to the Beaujolais as it has more than a few seriously fine winemakers today. They are producing styles from the classically gulpable through a crossover between the Cote d’Or and the northern Rhone to wines which could challenge those of the Northern Rhone. And anyway, everyone needs a few cellar savers. I wonder how long it will be before prices from there become hurtful, too?
Thanks for your enthusiasm to keep your finger on the pulse of such a great hobby and interest.