If the grands Crus and their now astronomical prices attract all the spotlight, it must be remembered that this is only a tiny part of regional production. Everywhere in Burgundy we still find affordable prices. So, what are the cheapest Burgundy wines? Our recommendations :
– Yonne. The northern department of Burgundy has of course become known for its Chablis. Despite the reputation of the village, its prices remain fair, and you can find very good Chablis for less than €20 a bottle. But for even more attractive value for money, you have to go to the neighboring villages. For prices ranging between €10 and €15, there are excellent reds in Epineuil and Coulanges la Vineuses, very pretty whites in Chitry and Saint-Bris-le-Vineux (the exception of Burgundy with its sauvignons) and beautiful crémants everywhere. We also mention Vézelay for its fleshy and mineral whites and Joigny for its famous gray wines, very fruity.
– The Mâconnais. In this vineyard in the south of Burgundy, great terroirs are legion but rarely known: it is ideal for good business. For a budget of 10-15 euros per bottle, you can find excellent fruity and mineral Chardonnays. Let us cite for example the villages of Milly-Lamartine, Igé and Lugny. On the red side, the gourmet Gamays from the Mâconnais are also worth the detour, for equivalent prices.
– The Hautes Côtes. The plateaus overlooking the famous Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits also have their wine-growing tradition, without benefiting from such an aura. For less than €20, you can find fresh, fruity and elegant pinots and chardonnays.
– The Châtillonnais. Probably the best deal in Burgundy. Virtually unknown, the small Châtillonnais vineyard, north of the Côte d’Or, dedicates its cool, limestone terroirs to Crémant de Bourgogne. And for good reason: here we border the Champagne de l’Aube. Here, great terroirs and long aging produce Crémants of great finesse. Even today, we find many below €10 a bottle.
– The Chalonnaise coast. If Mercurey, Givry and Rully are wine-growing villages that have become particularly popular in the Côte Chalonnaise (for good reasons it must be said), the rest of the vineyard evolves in semi-anonymity, which does not displease us. In Montagny, you can find whites of great purity and intense minerality for prices around €15. A little further inland, the Burgundy Côte Chalonnaise appellation offers a wide choice of reds, each as delicious and fruity as the next, often with a beautiful structure allowing for several years of aging. Budget: 10 to 15€.
