Why Regional Bourgogne Wines Are the Best Values in Burgundy
Regional Bourgogne wines (Bourgogne Blanc/Bourgogne Rouge) provide some of the best quality-to-price ratios on the market. When produced at the hands of the right vignerons, these wines receive just as much TLC in the vineyard and cellar as their more specifically designated counterparts.
This week, we’re rounding up six reasons why regional Bourgogne wines bring some of the best values to the table. From tasting delicious to providing access to ‘out of reach’ producers, here’s why we can’t get enough of these underrated bottles.
They’re Affordable and Delicious
Bourgogne Blanc and Bourgogne Rouge wines boast some of the lowest price tags in the region. However, these lower prices don’t necessarily mean lesser quality. When produced by great winemakers, Bourgogne Blanc and Bourgogne Rouge wines are made with just as much love and care as other cuvées. As prices for Burgundy continue to skyrocket, these wines remain relatively affordable in comparison to other options. 
Many of Our Favorite Producers Make Them
Looking to explore a variety of producers without breaking the bank? Bourgogne Blancs and Rouges are a great place to start. Most vignerons across the Côte d’Or produce these entry-level bottles in addition to their single-vineyard cuvées. These regional wines are excellent ‘gateway’ bottles to understanding a producer’s vinification style without committing to the price tag of their higher-end options. For a budget-friendly regional survey that can’t go wrong, sipping your way through a variety of Bourgogne Blanc and Bourgogne Rouge cuvées is key.
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Access to the Out of Reach
When we say many of our favorite producers make these wines, this fortunately includes a handful of heavy hitters. A slew of Burgundy's top names, including Coche-Dury, Roulot, and Domaine Chevillon produce incredible Bourgogne Blanc and Bourgogne Rouge cuvées (most at double-digit price points, too!) For those seeking a taste of the cream of the crop without a bank-breaking price tag, these wines provide relatively reasonable access.
They Provide an Overview of the Region
According to appellation laws, fruit for Bourgogne Blanc and Bourgogne Rouge wines can come from anywhere within Burgundy. This is where knowing your producers is key! Many big-brand names and powerhouse négociants will use these designations to bottle subpar fruit and get that ‘Bourgogne’ name on the label.
However, when produced at great hands, top producers incorporate fruit from highly sought-after growing sites in these regional wines. Although it won't be specified on the label, there's a good chance that you're drinking juice vinified from fruit from some of the region's best growing sites. We recommend scoping out a importer/distributor websites for further fruit details.
Versatile on the Table
The unctuous yet balanced nature of Bourgogne Blancs and earthy, red-fruited flavors found in Bourgogne Rouges make the food pairing opportunities for these wines basically endless. Bourgogne Blancs are known for their rich stone fruit flavors and citrus-driven acidity, which pair beautifully with creamy pasta dishes, fatty fish, and a variety of soft cheeses. The bright acid and soil-driven undertones in Bourgogne Rouge bring the flavors of roast poultry, seared fish, and lentil-based stews come to life.
Drink Now or Lay Down
The high acidity, structured backbones, and moderate yet grippy tannins (in Bourgogne Rouge) found in well-made bottles of regional Bourgogne wines from reputable producers will certainly benefit from a few years of age, yet these bottles are equally delicious in their youth. However, revisiting Bourgogne Blancs and Bourgogne Rouges after a few years in the cellar always promises a good time. Our advice? Pop one now, save one for later. It’s a win-win.