Bouzeron

Bouzeron Wine, A Secret Gem in Burgundy

Even if you’re not well versed in wine, you’ve undoubtedly heard about Burgundy, one of the most famous wine regions in France. Sure, some of the most expensive bottles of wine come from Burgundy. However, the region covers an extensive area, and there are still hidden gems for wine lovers to discover — outstanding Burgundian wine at excellent prices; what’s not to love?

Here’s all you need to know about Bouzeron, one of the last great-value wines in Burgundy. Learn all about it and get yourself a few lovely bottles for your cellar at Mr. D.

Bouzeron, History and Terroir

You’ll find the town of Bouzeron in the Côte Chalonnaise, just south of the prestigious Côte d’Or, land of the famous Grand Crus. The village is one of five prestigious wine-producing communes in the area, and although Bouzeron doesn’t have Premier Cru or Grand Cru sites (yet, the appellation was created fairly recently, in 1997,) it’s terroir shares similarities with the rest of Burgundy: clay-limestone soils and the perfect temperate climate.

Still, unlike other sites in Burgundy, Bouzeron is not known for wines made with Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. Producers here champion the lesser-known but equally noble Aligoté.

Bouzeron Grapes and Wine Styles

Vignerons in Bouzeron make wine exclusively with the white wine grape Aligoté, and although it’s less popular than the other Burgundian grapes, it’s gaining recognition every day.

DNA analysis showed Aligoté is the offspring of Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc, making it Chardonnay’s sibling. And with 1,577.19 hectares dedicated to it, Chardonnay’s little sister is the second most planted white grape in Burgundy.

How does Aligoté wine taste like? The pale gold wine delivers a fresh, crisp palate supporting a sophisticated bouquet reminiscent of golden apples and lemon peels with floral hints in the aftertaste. It’s easy to see why the famous Kir cocktail made with Aligoté wine and crème de cassis allows for no substitutions.