World of Wine - Part 2: France, Bordeaux and Burgundy

July 7, 2022

There are few wine regions in the world that carry as much prestige and respect as Bordeaux and Burgundy. These two regions produce some of the finest Fine wines in the world, with prices to match.

Whether you’re a wine lover or an investor, it’s worth taking a closer look at these two regions and what they have to offer. In this article, we’ll explore the history of both regions, discuss some of their most famous wines, and take a look at what the critics are saying. We’ll also explore investment potential for wines from these regions.

A brief history of Bordeaux and Burgundy

Winemaking in the Bordeaux region dates back to the Romans, who planted vines here in the second century AD. The region gained a reputation for producing high-quality wines in the 12th century, and by the 14th century, Bordeaux wines were being exported to England.

The region continued to grow in popularity over the centuries, and today it is one of the most famous wine regions in the world.

Burgundy, on the other hand, has a slightly shorter history. The first vines were planted here by the Romans in the first century AD, but it wasn’t until the 11th century that Burgundy wines began to gain a reputation for quality.

In the 13th century, Burgundy was divided into two parts: the Côte d’Or (the “golden slope”), which produces some of the finest wines in Burgundy; and the Côte Chalonnaise, which produces more modestly priced wines.

Today, both Bordeaux and Burgundy are renowned for producing high-quality wines that command high prices.

But what makes these wines so special?

Bordeaux wines are typically made from a blend of several different grape varieties, each of which contributes its own unique flavor to the final wine. The most common grape varieties used in Bordeaux wines are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.

The climate of the Bordeaux region is ideally suited for growing these grapes, with warm summers and cool, damp winters that allow the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly.

The soil in Bordeaux is also very important for the quality of the wines produced here. The best vineyards have gravel soils that drain well and retain heat, which helps the grapes to ripen fully.

Burgundy wines are made from a different set of grape varieties than Bordeaux wines. The most common grape variety used in Burgundy wines is Pinot Noir.

Burgundy wines are typically lighter in body and color than Bordeaux wines, and have a higher acidity.

The climate of the Burgundy region is cooler than the climate of the Bordeaux region, which gives the wines produced here a refreshing acidity.

The soil in Burgundy is also very important for the quality of the wines produced here. The best vineyards have limestone soils that help to preserve the acidity in the grapes.

There are many different types of Bordeaux and Burgundy wines, but some of the most famous and expensive examples include first growth wines from the Bordeaux region, and Grand Cru wines from the Burgundy region.

First growth wines are produced in the best vineyards in the Bordeaux region, and are typically made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes.

Grand Cru wines are only produced in certain vineyards in the Burgundy region, and are usually made entirely from Pinot Noir grapes.

The most expensive and sought-after Grand Cru wines come from the vineyards of Cote de Nuits and Cote de Beaune.

Flagship Bordeaux and Burgundy Wines

Critics have consistently praised both Bordeaux and Burgundy wines for their quality, complexity, and ageability.

The best examples of these wines include:

Château Haut-Brion (Bordeaux)

Château Haut-Brion is one of the oldest and most prestigious wine estates in Bordeaux. The wines produced here are some of the most collectable and expensive in the world. A good example would be the 2012 vintage, which was given a perfect 100-point score by critic Robert Parker.

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (Burgundy)

The Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is one of the most famous wine producers in Burgundy. The estate produces several highly sought-after wines, including the Romanée-Conti Grand Cru, which is considered by many to be the best wine in the world.

Château Latour (Bordeaux)

Château Latour is one of the “First Growth” estates in Bordeaux and is known for producing some of the finest wines in the world. The wines from Château Latour are highly collectable and have excellent investment potential. An excellent example of the quality of wine produced by Château Latour is the 1995 vintage, which received a perfect score of 100 points from wine critic Robert Parker.

Château Mouton Rothschild (Bordeaux)

Château Mouton Rothschild is another “First Growth” estate in Bordeaux. The wines from Château Mouton Rothschild are also highly collectable and have excellent investment potential. The flagship wine from Château Mouton Rothschild is the Mouton Rothschild 1995, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.

Investment potential of wines produced in Bordeaux and Burgundy

Both Bordeaux and Burgundy wines are considered excellent investments. The best examples of these wines often increase in value at a rate higher than the stock market.

For example, a bottle of Château Latour from the Bordeaux region that cost $100 in 2000 was worth over $1000 by 2012. A bottle of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti wine that cost $500 in 2000 was worth over $5000 by 2012.

While there is no guarantee that these prices will continue to increase, many experts believe that both Bordeaux and Burgundy wines are still good investments.

The best examples of French wine

If you are interested in investing in French fine wines, then starting with bottles from Bordeaux and Burgundy is an excellent choice.

The best way to get started is by doing your research or getting the help of a professional.

There are many factors to consider when investing in wine, such as the specific wine, the vintage, and the condition of the bottle. Getting professional help can ensure that you are making a wise investment.

At the end of the day, investing in wine is a personal decision. What matters most is that you enjoy the process and find a wine that you love. Cheers!