Wine and food have a long-standing relationship that can be traced back centuries. In many dishes, the right wine can elevate the flavors and make an ordinary dish extraordinary. Burgundy wine is a wine known for its rich flavor profile, making it the perfect choice for cooking.
Whether you’re looking to make a beef bourguignon or braised mushrooms, these are some of the best burgundy wines to use in your cooking.
Where Does Burgundy Wine Come From?
Burgundy is one of the most famous wine regions in France, and in the world. It is located in eastern France, and it stretches from Chablis in the north to Macon in the south. The region produces some of the best red and white wines that are highly regarded by wine connoisseurs around the globe.
The Burgundy wine region is known for its unique terroir, which gives rise to distinct flavors and aromas of its wines. The soil composition, climate, altitude, and other factors greatly influence how grapes grow in Burgundy’s vineyards. Pinot Noir grapes are used to make red wines while Chardonnay grapes are used for white wines.
Burgundy has a long history of producing quality wines dating back to medieval times when monks were responsible for cultivating vineyards.
Burgundy Pinot Noir taste notes
The taste of burgundy Pinot Noir can be described as light-bodied with a complex combination of flavors and aromas. It’s important to note that there are many different factors that can impact the taste and aroma of Burgundy Pinot Noir, including the specific vineyard where the pinot noir grape was grown, the vintage year, and even the winemaking process.
One of the most noticeable characteristics of Burgundy Pinot Noir is its fruity aroma. This wine often has notes of red fruits like cherry and raspberry, as well as darker fruit flavors like blackberry and plum. Additionally, there may be hints of spices like cinnamon or cloves, along with subtle earthy undertones.
When it comes to taste, Burgundy Pinot Noir generally has a lighter body than other red wines.
Taste Notes of Burgundy Chardonnay
It’s known for its unique taste and aroma, which is distinct from other Chardonnays produced around the world. When you take your first sip of Burgundy Chardonnay, you’ll notice a range of flavors including citrus, apple, pear and tropical fruit notes. These fruity flavors are balanced with a hint of oak that gives the wine its signature buttery taste.
The aroma of Burgundy Chardonnay is equally intriguing. As soon as you pour it into your glass, you’ll be greeted with the scent of ripe fruits such as pineapple and mango.
The aroma also has hints of vanilla and butterscotch thanks to the oak aging process used during production. This creates an overall complex flavor profile that makes drinking Burgundy Chardonnay an unforgettable experience. Oak ageing is mostly used for Cardonnay from Cote de Beaune.
Which Burgundy wine for Cooking?
The most prominent Burgundy wines are pinot noir and chardonnay. Therefore we focus on these two burgundy wines. The most important characteristics in pinot noir and chardonnay from burgundy are their fruitiness combined with a pleasant acidity. This is reflected in a number of dishes from the burgundy wine region where pinot noir and chardonnay are used for cooking.
Always remember to use only wines for cooking you would drink but don`t use grand cru wines as it would be a waste!
Burgundy Classification System
Burgundy is one of the most famous wine regions in France. It stretches over 230 kilometers from north to south, and it’s composed of five main areas: Chablis, Côte d’Or, Côte de Nuits, Hautes Côtes de Nuits, Cote de Beaune, Maconnais and Beaujolais. Each area has its own unique characteristics and produces different styles of wines.
Chablis is located in the northernmost part of Burgundy and is known for its crisp, mineral-driven white wines made from Chardonnay grapes. The Côte de Nuits produces some of the world’s finest Pinot Noir wines with a rich body, balanced tannins and intense fruit flavors. The Cote de Beaune is mostly known for its elegant white Burgundies made from Chardonnay grapes grown on gentle slopes near small villages like Meursault or Puligny-Montrachet.
Village Wines
Burgundy village wines are a must-try for wine enthusiasts. One of the most important things to understand about Burgundy village wines is that they come from specific vineyards within each village.
These vineyards, or “climats,” are carefully maintained by generations of winemakers who follow strict rules and regulations to ensure their quality. This attention to detail is what sets Burgundy village wines apart from others on the market.
When it comes to tasting these wines, it’s important to pay attention to their terroir—the environmental factors that give them their distinct flavors and aromas.
Burgundy Pinot Noir for cooking
Red wine from the burgundy wine region which is used for cooking is red wine made from pinot noir and gamay grapes. The Gamay grape is from the beaujolais region where red wines are cheaper than from the classic Pinot Noir regions on the Côte de Beaune or Côte d’Or.
Signature dishes from burgundy for which red burgundy wines are used are:
Sauce Bourguignonne
It`s a classic French sauce that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a rich and flavorful sauce that is perfect for beef dishes, especially steak. The sauce is made with red wine, beef stock, onions, carrots, and other herbs and spices.
Making Sauce Bourguignonne requires a bit of patience and attention to detail but the end result is well worth the effort. The key to a great Sauce Bourguignonne is to use high-quality ingredients including a full-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir.
Beef Bourguignon
It originated in the Burgundy region of France and is known for its rich and flavorful taste. The dish features tender beef that has been slow-cooked in red wine, along with vegetables and herbs.
Start by choosing a good cut of beef such as chuck or round roast. The meat should be marbled with fat to ensure it stays juicy during the cooking process. Next, select fresh vegetables like carrots, onions, and mushrooms to add depth and flavor to the dish. Finally, choose a full-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir from a burgundy wine region to enhance the flavors of the beef.
Ouefs en Meurette
This is a classic French dish that originated from the Burgundy region. It’s a simple yet decadent dish made with poached eggs, red wine sauce, and bacon. The dish is perfect for breakfast or brunch, and its rich flavors will leave you wanting more.
To make Oeufs en Meurette, start by cooking the bacon until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add shallots, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves to cook until fragrant. Then deglaze the pan with red wine and reduce it to half of its original volume. Add in beef broth to create a flavorful sauce.
Next up are poached eggs: gently crack them into boiling water seasoned with salt and vinegar for about 3-4 minutes or until they’re cooked to your liking.
Coq au vin
Coq au vin is a French dish that has been around for centuries. It is a classic dish that is loved by many people all over the world. The name of this dish literally translates to “rooster in wine”. This means that the main ingredient of this dish is chicken cooked in red wine.
The history of coq au vin goes back to the medieval times when roosters were considered valuable. They were only eaten on special occasions such as weddings and festivals. Coq au vin was created as a way to make use of older chickens, which are usually tough and not very flavorful. By cooking them slowly in red burgundy wine wine, the meat becomes tender and flavorful.
Poires au Vin
A classic French dessert that’s perfect for fall and winter months. This delicious dish consists of pears cooked in red burgundy wine for cooking and spices, making it the ultimate comfort food to indulge in during colder days. Poires au Vin translates to “pears in wine” and has been enjoyed by families across France for centuries.
The recipe for Poires au Vin dates back to the 18th century, where it was considered a delicacy amongst aristocrats. Over time, the dish has become more accessible and now can be found at many restaurants and cafes throughout Europe.
Sorbet au Cassis
Blackcurrant sorbet, is a refreshing and delightful dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. This frozen treat is made from fresh blackcurrants, sugar, and water, and is the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day. Here are some reasons why you should try Sorbet au Cassis today.
Firstly, Sorbet au Cassis is incredibly versatile. It can be served as an after-dinner dessert or as a palate cleanser between courses at a fancy dinner party. Additionally, it can be paired with other fruits such as strawberries or raspberries to create a delicious mixed berry sorbet.
Secondly, Sorbet au Cassis is also very healthy compared to other desserts.
Dishes from burgundy with white burgundy wines
The burgundy wine industry not only produces red wines but also white wines and famous Chardonnay grand cru wines from a very limited number of grand cru vineyards. You can also find other grape varieties as sauvignon blanc or pinot gris. The sauvignon blanc wines come mainly from the saint bris appellation close to the Chablis region in the north of burgundy.
Gaston Gerard Chicken
It`s a popular dish that originated in France and is named after the French chef Gaston Gerard, who created this recipe with simple yet flavorful ingredients that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. The key to making this delicious meal is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. You will need boneless chicken breasts, mushrooms, shallots, white wine, cream, and butter. To prepare the dish, start by sautéing the mushrooms and shallots in butter until they are soft and tender. Then add the chicken breasts and cook them until they are golden brown on both sides.
Next comes the fun part – adding the white burgundy wine and cream to create a rich sauce that will coat each piece of chicken perfectly.
Pochouse
This hearty and flavorful dish originated in the Burgundy region of France, where it was commonly made by fishermen who used the catch of the day to create a delicious and nourishing meal. Pochouse is traditionally made with freshwater fish, such as perch, pike or carp, along with vegetables like leeks, potatoes, onions and carrots.
One of the unique aspects of pochouse is that it is typically served in two courses. The broth is served first with slices of crusty bread spread with garlic butter before being topped off with grated cheese. The second course consists of the cooked fish and vegetables which are usually presented on a platter alongside boiled potatoes. It’s an indulgent dish that brings together all the flavors and textures of French cuisine.
Jambon a la Chablisienne
A traditional recipe perfect for those who love the combination of meat and wine. Jambon à la Chablisienne is made with ham, which is then cooked in a white wine sauce, along with mushrooms and onions.
To make Jambon à la Chablisienne, you will need a few key ingredients. The first step is to choose a high-quality ham that will be the star of this dish. Next, you will need mushrooms and onions to add depth and flavor to the sauce. Finally, you will need some white wine to create the sauce that brings everything together.
Making Jambon à la Chablisienne can be time-consuming but it’s definitely worth it!
Top 6 red and white Burgundy wines for cooking
The wines we present you below are not a grand cru or a premier cru wine but they receive good overall ratings.
Louis Latour – Bourgogne Pinot Noir
Louis Latour Bourgogne Pinot Noir is a wine that comes from the Burgundy region of France. It is made using 100% Pinot Noir grapes, which are handpicked and carefully selected. The grapes are then fermented in traditional wooden vats and aged in French oak barrels for up to 10 months.
The result is a wine that has a brilliant ruby color with aromas of red berries, cherries, and spices. On the palate, it is fresh and elegant with smooth tannins and a long finish. This wine pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and cheese.
Jean Claude Boisset – Bourgogne Pinot Noir Les Ursulines
This burgundy Pinot Noir is an exquisite wine that is highly recommended for wine enthusiasts. The Pinot Noir grape variety used in this wine grows exceptionally well in Burgundy, and it is known to produce some of the finest wines in the world.
Les Ursulines is a vibrant red wine with a velvety texture which features aromas of cherry and blackberry, with hints of vanilla and spice that add depth to its character. It has a long finish that leaves you wanting more, making it an excellent choice for pairing with food or enjoying on its own.
Blason de Bourgogne Bourgogne Pinot Noir
This wine is made with 100% Pinot Noir grapes harvested from the best vineyards in Burgundy. The grapes are handpicked and carefully selected to ensure only the best ones make it to fermentation. The wine has an enticing ruby red color and is known for its delicate aromas of berries and spices.
On the palate, this Pinot Noir offers a smooth and velvety texture with notes of cherry, raspberry, and vanilla. It has a long finish that leaves a pleasant aftertaste on your mouth.
Domaine Jean Collet Chablis 2021
The Domaine Jean Collet Chablis 2021 boasts a vibrant yellow color with hints of green. Its aroma features notes of white fruits, such as pear and apple, combined with floral scents that create an elegant bouquet. On the palate, this wine offers a perfect balance between acidity and minerality, along with subtle flavors of citrus fruits and almond that linger on the finish.
This wine pairs perfectly with seafood dishes such as oysters or grilled fish.
Charly Nicole Petit Chablis 2019
Made from 100% Chardonnay grapes, this wine has a pale yellow color with green reflections. On the nose, it offers aromas of citrus fruits such as lemon and grapefruit, as well as floral notes of acacia and hawthorn.
On the palate, Charly Nicole Petit Chablis 2019 is crisp and refreshing with flavors of green apple and pear. It has a good balance between acidity and fruitiness which makes it an ideal pairing for seafood dishes such as oysters, shrimp or grilled fish. This wine is also perfect to be enjoyed on its own during sunny days.
Giraudon – Bourgogne Aligote 2021
This crisp, refreshing white wine hails from the Burgundy region of France and is made from the Aligoté grape variety. It boasts a light golden color in the glass, with aromas of fresh citrus fruits and floral notes.
On the palate, this wine delivers a bright acidity that complements its flavors of lemon zest, green apple, and white peach. It finishes with a delightful minerality that lingers on the tongue. The Giraudon family has been producing wines for over 200 years, using traditional winemaking methods to create exceptional wines like this one.
Premier Cru and Grand Cru Burgundy wines
Premier Cru and Grand Cru Burgundy wines are among the most sought-after wines in the world. These wines come from the Burgundy region of France, which is known for producing some of the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Premier Cru and Grand Cru are two classifications that denote the quality of wine based on their vineyard location, soil type, grape variety, and winemaking techniques.
Premier Cru is a classification given to vineyards that produce high-quality wines but are not considered as exceptional as those classified under Grand Cru. There are over 600 different Premier Crus in Burgundy, each with its unique character and flavor profile. These wines offer excellent value for money compared to their more expensive counterparts while still offering exceptional quality.
Grand Crus, on the other hand, are considered to be the best of the best when it comes to Burgundy wine.
Domaine Comte George de Vogue
Domaine Comte George de Vogue is one of the most renowned producers of Burgundy grand crus in France. Located in the heart of the Côte d’Or, this estate has been producing some of the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines for over 100 years. The vineyards are spread across some of the most prestigious appellations in Burgundy, including Chambolle-Musigny, Musigny, Bonnes Mares and Clos de Vougeot.
The history of Domaine Comte George de Vogue can be traced back to 1450 when Jean Moisson acquired a small parcel of land in Chambolle-Musigny. Over time, subsequent generations have expanded the estate and developed its reputation as a producer of high-quality wines.
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is a grand cru wine estate situated in the Burgundy region of France. The estate produces some of the most expensive and sought-after wines in the world, with prices reaching up to tens of thousands of dollars per bottle. Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is known for its exceptional grand cru Pinot Noir grapes that are grown in their vineyards.
The domain has been producing wines since 1232, making it one of the oldest wine estates in Burgundy. Domaine de la Romanée-Conti owns several vineyards throughout Burgundy, including La Tâche, Richebourg, and Echézeaux. However, it’s their Grand Cru vineyard located in Vosne-Romanée that has made them famous.
Domaine Georges Roumier
Domaine Georges Roumier is a renowned winery located in the heart of Chambolle-Musigny, a village in Burgundy, France. The estate has been producing exceptional wines for over 80 years and is considered one of the most respected grand cru wineries in the world. The vineyards are spread across various appellations including Chambolle-Musigny, Morey-Saint-Denis, and Corton-Charlemagne.
The current owner and winemaker at Domaine Georges Roumier is Christophe Roumier, who took over from his father in 1982. He has continued to uphold the family tradition of producing high-quality wines while also introducing modern techniques to improve their quality. The winery practices sustainable farming methods on their grand cru vineyards to ensure that their vines remain healthy and produce grapes with optimal flavor.
