The Secret to Affordable Burgundy Wines: Uncovering 8 of the Region’s Underrated Appellations

As a sommelier based in the heart of Bourgogne, Beaune, I’ve been fortunate enough to taste some of the region’s finest wines. While the renowned appellations of Chablis, Meursault, and Gevrey-Chambertin often dominate the conversation, Bourgogne is also home to many lesser-known but equally delicious wines that offer exceptional value. The region accounts for only five percent of France’s total wine production. The prices of Bourgogne wines have become astronomical in recent years, driven by supply and demand. Through my work in export and sales, as well as insights gained from attending the 2022 Grands Jours de Bourgogne press conference, I have come to understand the wine market in this region and the secret to finding affordable Burgundy wines is in uncovering the underrated appellations. My love for the wines of Bourgogne is immense, and it is disheartening to think that they have become unaffordable to many. With this in mind, I want to share my tips on how to find high-quality, more accessible Bourgogne wines in lesser-known appellations. In this article, I’ll be recommending eight of my favorite wines that embody the essence and diversity of Bourgogne.

Affordable Burgundy Wines

1. SANTENAY

Bourgogne’s Santenay is a quiet achiever just south of Chassagne-Montrachet This appellation is known for its red wines crafted from Pinot Noir grapes, which exhibit a deep, brilliant black-cherry color. The bouquet of these wines is characterized by notes of rose-petals, peony, violet, red fruits, and a touch of liquorice. The mouthfeel is firm with discreet tannins, and a well-structured body with a supple, fine texture. Black berry aromas and a long finish complete the experience. The white wines (Chardonnay) from Santenay are clear, bright, and floral with fresh, vigorous flavors and notes of bracken and hazelnut. The energy softens as you travel south in the Côte de Beaune. As I hike through the hills, villages, and vineyards, I sense a calm and peaceful vitality that is captured in the wine made in this area.

2. MARANGES

Maranges is a village appellation and southernmost of the Côte de Beaune (Santenay’s neighbor) and recognized for its seven Premier Cru Climats. The area produces red and white wines from a combination of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gamay grapes. The red wines of Maranges are characterized by their brilliant color and fruit-forward profile, showcasing flavors of red raspberry and blackcurrant buds with a touch of spice. These wines are known for their balanced acidity, allowing for cellaring for up to three to four years, with the potential for even longer aging in excellent vintages. The white wines from Maranges boast a warm golden color and delicate floral aromas of hawthorn, acacia, and honeysuckle. As the wine matures, it develops further depth with hints of gunflint or honey. A playground for pairings! 

Producer Pick: Domaine CHEVROT et FILS

3. BOUZERON

Bouzeron is a charming village-level appellation south of Maranges in the Côte Chalonnaise. It holds a unique distinction as the only appellation in Bourgogne that is dedicated solely to the production of white wines crafted from the Aligoté grape varietal. The wines of Bouzeron are prized for their crisp and revitalizing character, showcasing flavors of tart green apples, juicy citrus, and minerality. They are a fantastic choice for those seeking something intriguing and a little different. The commendable efforts of Domaine de Villaine, under the leadership of Pierre de Benoist, has elevated the Aligoté grape to new heights. Hats off to Pierre for his ability to unveil the potential of the historically overlooked Aligoté grape. I love to pair these wines with goat cheese and Beaufort from Alps.

Producer Pick: Domaine de Villaine

4. MONTHÉLIE 

Monthelie, a village appellation has 16 premier cru climats, is nestled between the renowned AOCs of Volnay and Meursault and boasts a commanding view of the surrounding hills. The wines of Monthélie are characterized by their sophistication, with a harmonious interplay of flavors including red and black fruits, spices, and minerals. For those seeking an elegant and refined wine experience at a more modest cost compared to the wines of the Côte-de-Nuits, Monthélie is an excellent option. During the Easter weekend last year, I was fortunate enough to attend a “portes ouvertes” and encountered not one, but two exceptional producers. These wines have since become my go-to, and I cannot praise enough their quality and the skillful craftsmanship of certain producers. While many of these producers also have respective appellations such as Pommard and Meursault, I strongly encourage you to give the Monthélie Premier Cru and the Village wines a try!

Producer Picks: Domaine Laurent Boussey and Domaine DUBUET-MONTHELIE 

5. SAINT VÉRAN 

Saint-Véran is a white wine only village appellation located in the Mâconnais subregion region of the South. It surrounds the well-regarded Pouilly-Fuissé, forming a belt of vineyards on the slopes of the hills that encompass the iconic Rock of Solutré. Saint-Véran is the second largest appellation in the Mâconnais region and is prized for its high-quality wines. These wines are characterized by their refined elegance and a harmonious balance of flavors, including citrus, stone fruits, and minerals. Pairing perfectly with seafood or mushroom risotto, the subtle texture of the dish is matched by the wine’s zesty acidity. Think of summertime picnics in the vineyards. This would be the wine you put inside your basket for the afternoon. 

Producer Pick: Domaine Morat Gilles

6. SAINT-ROMAIN

The village appellation of Saint-Romain boasts a unique setting, perched at the foot of a towering cliff yet elevated to offer sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. With a rich history dating back to the days of Celts and Gallo-Romans, Saint-Romain was one of the first areas in Burgundy to cultivate its vineyards. The vineyards are situated on a sloping site, where they are gifted with the ideal growing conditions provided by the diverse and geologically rich soils composed of lias, a rock formation from the earliest period of the Jurassic. Saint-Romain produces both red and white wines. The red wines of Saint-Romain are characterized by their elegance and refined tannins, and have the potential to age gracefully for over a decade. The white wines of Saint-Romain complement a range of dishes, including fried fish, poached eggs, and marinated vegetables. Some experts believe that the quality of the wines in Saint-Romain has been further enhanced by the impacts of climate change.

Producer Pick: Domaine Henri & Gilles Buisson

7. BRIONNAIS 

The Brionnais, a part of Bourgogne governed by the BIVB and situated in the far south and west of the Macônnais region, is a place that I hold dear to my heart. Despite a rich history of winemaking, the region was left with abandoned vineyards and forgotten grape varieties after the ravages of Phylloxera and the world wars. The farmers shifted their focus to raising Charolais cattle instead. However, the unique soil composition of clay-limestone marls rich in fossils from the Toarcian period gives the wines produced in the region a distinct minerality and complexity that is rare to find elsewhere. The vineyards, situated between 320 and 380 meters in altitude, also play a critical role in the winemaking process, leading to a rather late harvest and allowing the grapes to mature and develop complex flavors and aromas. Furthermore, the lack of monoculture on the estate helps maintain the natural biodiversity of the area. I highly recommend trying the Roche des Bancs wines, a domain that is paving the way for the resurgence of the Brionnais.

Producer Pick: Domaine Roche des Bancs

8. HAUTES CÔTES de NUITS 

The Hautes Côtes de Nuits, an Appellation Régionale officially recognized in 1961, encompasses 16 communes of the Hautes Côtes region in the Côte d’Or, as well as the more elevated communes of the Côte de Nuits. This verdant terrain, which overlooks the slopes of Gevrey-Chambertin and extends towards the Corton forests, imbues its wines with a wild beauty that mirrors its rugged landscapes. The Hautes Côtes de Nuits produces a medley of Pinot Noir-based reds and roses, as well as whites predominantly composed of Chardonnay. The rare appearances of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris only serve to enhance the tapestry of flavors woven into these wines. This dynamic appellation showcases the versatility of the terroir and the skill of its winemakers.

Producer Pick: Domaine Emmanuel Giboulot and Domaine Agnès Paquet

It is worth reiterating that the hallowed terroirs of Bourgogne are home to an incredible array of wines. Despite their increasing prices, I maintain that there is a wealth of exceptional value to be found in the underrated regions of Bourgogne. Through my experiences living in Bourgogne and my deep-seated passion for these wines, I am honored to share with you my curated selection of eight standout bottlings that truly capture the essence of this complex wine-making region. And share my insights on finding affordable Burgundy wines.

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Interested in learning about the Bourgogne Region and discovering more affordable Burgundy wines? check out my other articles HERE