▻ Value Burgundy with Jasper Morris MW

10 Minute Masterclass

22 Jun

Written By Sarah Kemp

In conversation with Jasper Morris MW

Episode Summary:-

Can you still find good value in Burgundy? This is the question Jasper Morris MW, author of “Inside Burgundy,” and renowned expert, answers in this month’s 10-Minute Masterclass. The good news is that the answer is yes.“There is good value in Burgundy, and one of the good things about global warming is that it brought into play some areas which were previously regarded as a bit difficult, as they couldn’t ripen the grapes, but now they can,” he states.

Some generic appellations offer value. Bourgogne Aligoté, Jasper believes, is an exciting place to look, as it translates its terroir in a way Chardonnay does. He suggests looking for Bourgone with a village name attached and a producer you trust.

One of the most exciting value areas is Chablis Premier Cru, which is much cheaper than many white Burgundies. Jasper also recommends Petit Chablis, and again advises you look out for well-known producers on the label.

In the Côte Chalonnaise, look out for Mercurey, Bouzeron, Montagny and Rully (for a deeper dive, listen to our 10-Minute Côte Chalonnaise podcast here). The Côte Chalonnaise was more successful than other parts of Burgundy in the 2024 vintage, as it had less rain, Jasper adds.

The Maconnais has good co-operatives and there are 12 individual growers who are very exciting, and Jasper notes, “Pouilly-Fuissé is one of Burgundy’s eternal bargains.” In the Côte de Nuits, he suggests looking at vineyards north of Dijon and Marsannay. In the Côte de Beaune, he recommends Ladoix, which he prefers to the better-known Aloxe-Corton.

“Monthelie, Auxey-Duresses and St-Romain now have got producers making a real effort,” he declares, and the Haut-Côtes Beaune narrowly trumps the Côte de Nuits for value.