Amen Bro! It's Red Burgundy.

"Amen Brother – It’s Burgundy” is a title for our Burgundy session that pays tribute to one of the most famous wine regions in the world and its history of influence of the Roman Catholic Church - popes and monks alike. It's a story of preferential taxation exemptions, innovative and collective farming practices and the accumulation of land over time which lead to the establishment of some of the most famous vineyards in the world. These vineyards were tended by Cistercian monks and convent sisters alike. While Napolean put an end to this, the fact remains that religion had an everlasting impact on development of the wine industry in France and arguably around the world.

Red Burgundy
This Thursday we will explore the Cote d'Or, it's history and the "climats" (plots of land) with their very precise boundaries (appellations) of this celebrated region - Burgundy. Burgundy is complicated. Classifications here are predicated on quality almost exclusively. There are regional appellations (AOC), village appellations (AOC), premier (600) and grand cru (33) appellations. Most of the reds lie on the slopes of the Cote de Nuits. Attend our online wine session with Mark Shipway and learn more. Our online session are comprised of a comprehensive educational presentation followed by an interactive tasting component that last approximately 1.5 hours. This session is focusing on the key regions of the Cote d'Or - Cotes de Nuits and Cotes de Beaune. 

Here is a list of recommended wines available in our local market (BC) that may offer a taste of "classic burgundy". Yes it's expensive and you do have to spend a bit more than what you might normally for a good bottle. To have a great experience I do recommend something like AF Gros (she's a great winemaker). 

WINE RECOMMENDATIONS
Bourgogne (AOC)
Domaine Cyrot Buthiau 2017 Bourgogne                    $33.99                      750 ml | SKU: 182463
Michelle Philipon 2018 Maranges Vieilles Vignes       $39.99                      750 ml | SKU: 13571
 
Hautes Cotes de Nuits (AOC)
Domaine A.F. Gros 2017 Hautes Cotes de Nuits         $67.74                       750 ml | Marquis
Thibault Liger-Belair 2016
Hautes Cotes de Nuits "Les Trois Terroirs"                   $63.39                       750ml  | Marquis
 
Cote de Nuit Villages (AOC)
Domaine Gachot Monot 2015 Bougogne                    $42.99                       750 ml | SKU: 129583
                     
Aloxe-Corton (AOC)
Domaine Tollot Beaut 2016 Aloxe-Corton                   $86.86                       750 ml | Marquis
 
Morey St Denis (AOC)
Domaine Tortochot 2017 Morey St Denis                    $64.99                       750 ml | SKU: 129588
 
Pommard (AOC)
Domaine Nicolas Rossignol 2017 Pommard               $104.26                     750 ml | Marquis
 
Premier Cru (AOC)
Hospices-Beaune - 1er Cru 2017
Cuvee Dames Hospitalieres                                           $189.99                     750 ml | SKU: 196306
 
Louis Jadot 2016 Volnay 1er Clos
De La Barre Monopole 2016                                           $115.99                      750 ml | SKU: 167963
 
Domaine Jacques Prieur 2016
Volnay 1er Santenots                                                       $145.99                     750 ml | SKU: 16256

These wines definitely need to be decanted and enjoyed with food to get the most out of your experience. May I recommend that you prepare Beef Bourguignon. Here's a recipe suggestion: https://www.food.com/recipe/boeuf-bourguignon-a-la-julia-child-148007

More on Burgundy
Here is a great article if you are a history buff on the role played by the Church and the Monks in the development of the business of agriculture and more specifically wine in Burgundy.
https://medium.com/the-world-of-wine-a-serial-story/the-cistercian-monks-classifying-burgundys-terroir-f541c7b2e8e4

Thank you for reading. I look forward to welcoming you to our online Zoom wine session Thursday. Any questions please message me directly or leave your thoughts below.