Bourgogne Rouge, Burgundy (10 Best Wines, Prices, Winemaking)

Bourgogne Rouge refers to still red wine produced in the generic Bourgogne appellation in France. It includes wines made from vineyard lands that don’t have a location-specific title.

While the wines are considered entry-level, they do have a refined and elegant character and a rich flavor profile.

Let’s explore some interesting facts about Bourgogne Rouge, including the grape used, the terroir, winemaking, and some great food pairings. 

We’ll also reveal the best Bourgogne Rouge wines to buy in 2022.

Quick Facts About the Bourgogne Rouge Appellation

Let’s discover some interesting tidbits about Bourgogne Rouge wine:

What grapes are used to make Bourgogne Rouge wine?

Bourgogne Rouge (also called red Burgundy) wines are made from the Pinot Noir grape variety. 

When was the Bourgogne appellation created? 

The appellation was created in 1937. It includes any wine made from grape vine plots that don’t have a location-specific title. 

What’s the total size of the vineyard lands?

The total size of the vineyards producing Pinot Noir grapes for Bourgogne Rouge is 1,855 ha. This is more than double the amount of the vineyards designated for Bourgogne Blanc wines (854 ha.)

Where are the Bourgogne Rouge vineyard lands located?

The vineyards are spread across nearly 300 communes in:

• Yonne (54 communes): Here, the winemakers are allowed to grow and use the Cesar grape variety in their Bourgogne Rouge wines.
• Côte dOr (91 communes): This includes Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits communes. The vineyards here are mainly located on the lower slopes of the Côte dOr hill. The mid-slope area is reserved for Premier Cru and Grand Cru vine plots.
• Saone-et-Loire (154 communes): This includes the Côte Chalonnaise commune. 

What’s the terroir like for Bourgogne Rouge vines?

• Soil: The soil is quick-draining and made of limestone, stones, and clay.
• Climate: The climate is generally cool continental. 

The 10 Best Bourgogne Rouge Wines To Buy in 2022

Try these delicious Bourgogne Rouge wines:

1. 2007 Domaine Leroy Bourgogne Rouge ($181)
2. 2015 Domaine Guillot-Broux Bourgogne Rouge La Myotte ($42)
3. 2017 Domaine de la Belouse Bourgogne Pinot Noir ($24)
4. 2012 Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux Bourgogne Pinot Fin ($80)
5. 2016 Bouchard Père & Fils La Vignee Bourgogne Pinot Noir ($28)
6. 2016 Domaine Ghislaine Barthod Bourgogne Rouge ($58)
7. 2014 Joseph Drouhin Bourgogne Laforet Pinot Noir ($22)
8. 2006 Domaine Dugat-Py Bourgogne Cuvee Halinard ($84)
9. 2011 Domaine Denis Mortet Bourgogne Cuvee de Noble Souche Rouge ($52)
10. 2018 Domaine Anne Gros Bourgogne Pinot Noir ($42)

1. 2007 Domaine Leroy Bourgogne Rouge ($181)

Here is a delicate red wine with red cherry and earthy aroma notes accompanied by tobacco, red currant, and mineral flavors.

2. 2015 Domaine Guillot-Broux Bourgogne Rouge La Myotte ($42)

This wine has wild flowers, red fruit, and spice aroma notes. The palate has raspberry and strawberry tasting notes, soft tannins, and medium acidity.

3. 2017 Domaine de la Belouse Bourgogne Pinot Noir ($24)

Here we have a ruby-hued wine with black and red fruit aromas, intertwined with ripe cherry and raspberry flavors.

4. 2012 Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux Bourgogne Pinot Fin ($80)

This Pinot Noir wine features a nose of dark and red currant and light spice notes (imparted during the wine’s aging in oak barrels.) The palate has hints of earth, soft tannins, and nice acidity.

5. 2016 Bouchard Père & Fils La Vignee Bourgogne Pinot Noir ($28)

Here is a wine with red fruit and herb aroma notes accompanied by dried cherry and leather tasting notes. 

6. 2016 Domaine Ghislaine Barthod Bourgogne Rouge, Burgundy, France ($58)

This wine has dark fruit aroma notes, red currant and earthy flavors, and great length. 

7. 2014 Joseph Drouhin Bourgogne Laforet Pinot Noir ($22)

Here is a charming wine with wild strawberry, red currant, and raspberry aroma notes. The palate has cherry compote flavors, soft tannins and a fantastic structure.

8. 2006 Domaine Dugat-Py Bourgogne Cuvee Halinard ($84)

This wine has a nose of smoke and red cherry notes. The palate is smooth with lovely acidity and grippy tannins.

9. 2011 Domaine Denis Mortet Bourgogne Cuvee de Noble Souche Rouge ($52)

Here we have a wine with plenty of fruit like blackberries and red currant aroma notes accompanied by black fruit and charcoal flavors.

10. 2018 Domaine Anne Gros Bourgogne Pinot Noir ($42)

This wine has blueberry and red fruit aroma notes, coffee flavors, and soft tannins.

Bourgogne Rouge Wine Food Pairings

Pair your Bourgogne Rouge wine with dishes like:

• Meat: Simmered beef, meat tarts, veal, and cured meats 
• Poultry:Chicken pie and chicken with creamy sauce 
• Vegetables: Cold tabbouleh and salads
• Hard cheese: Gouda, Parmigiano, Cheddar, and Gryyere

How is Bourgogne Rouge Wine Made?

While some winemakers make subtle changes, the vinification process is primarily the same throughout the appellation. 

Here’s a quick look at how the wine is made:

• Cold maceration: The grapes go through cold maceration in a traditional open barrel or a stainless steel vat. 
• Fermentation: The winemaker starts alcoholic fermentation with either indigenous or additional yeasts during maceration. 
• Aging: The wine is aged for 12-24 months in a barrel. 

Engulf Your Senses With A Bourgogne Rouge Wine!

Bourgogne Rouge wine may not come from Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards, but it has enchanting characteristics like fruit-forward aromas, spice flavors, and light tannins. 

A bottle of Bourgogne Rouge wine would make a great addition at mealtime and is best drunk young. 

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