Burgundy Part 2: Reading the label

As we begin to discover the wines of Europe it becomes apparent that strict and individualized laws and regulations are adhered to everywhere - this can make learning about wine a daunting prospect! However, this information can prepare us thoroughly for purchasing decisions because by understanding regional laws we will automatically have a clued-up notion of the taste and style of the wines we are considering.

Separating Burgundy from the rest of France are the inheritance laws which existed under Napoleon stating that every son inherits an equal portion of their fathers vineyard - consequently each vineyard (which would have already been small after the French Revolution) became divided into small sections and owned by many different people! Although the law does not exist today, its effects still remain and can be observed in the small individually owned lots of Burgundy. This means that wine from one vineyard is frequently produced by several different winemakers - often providing a variety in style. However law governs the production of grapes and wine ensuring consistently excellent standards from Burgundy. Under the AC - Appellation Controlee - system Burgundy wine is made from the Pinot Noir grape (reds) and Chardonnay grape (whites) and may be labeled in the following way:

Regional Label: Labeled Borgogne (French for Burgundy) Appellation Controlee (signifying this wine is made to AC laws) - this wine must be made only from grapes of the Burgundy region.

Commune/Village Label: A village or defined area in Burgundy with it's own AC - the name of the village will be on the label. Quality is better than just Regional wine because law prohibits high yields and low alcohol.

Vineyard ACs:

A) Premier Cru- This label has both the vineyard (or climat), the Commune and the title "Premier Cru" (first growth), AC - denoting a wine of great standard and reputation, namely due to the high standard of terroir (environmental, geographical and microclimate factors) within that vineyard. Further, the customer is guaranteed a high standard because of low yield/high alcohol regulations.

B) Grand Cru- This label has just the vineyard or climat and the title "Grand Cru" (great growth) AC - the vineyard has its own appellation, these are some of the best wines in the world! This is the trickiest label to read as it only states the vineyard name (no mention of Burgundy)! Oh well, I don't know about you but I can only afford to look at these wines anyway, so we won't worry about it too much!

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