The term ‘haute densité’ sometimes crops up on the label of a quality wine. Although not an official classification, this term refers to a conscious – and demanding – choice in the vineyard: high planting density per hectare. In Burgundy in particular, haute densité is seen as an important tool

Increasingly, winemakers are using the ‘prooftag’: a security tool to ensure the authenticity of wine. It is a kind of certificate that can be used to check whether a bottle is authentic. Of course, this means is mainly used for the more expensive wines. There is then a sticker on

The word ‘minerality’ appears quite often in tasting notes and descriptions of wines. By some estimates, in as much as 10 per cent of descriptions. Sometimes to the irritation of professionals, as it remains a difficult concept to define without a scientific basis. Yet we too often describe wine as

The stage when grapes ripen and change colour is called ‘veraison’. The colour change marks the beginning of the ripening stage, where grapes change from green to their final colour. This can be red, purple or yellow, depending of course on the grape variety. White grapes – like Chardonnay –

The Grand Cru are the most prestigious wines. These wines represent the highest level of quality. Wines from small – extremely expensive – parcels that have often been family-owned for generations. We are talking about the top of Burgundy: Grand Cru. The top tier in the appellation pyramid. Accounting for

For those delving into Burgundy – with its centuries-old vineyards and patchwork of parcels – terms like lieu-dit and climat are almost inevitable. They pop up on labels, in conversations with winemakers and while perusing wine lists. But what exactly do they mean, and most importantly, what is the difference?

A word inextricably linked to Burgundy. And a concept that every winemaker is only too happy to embrace to describe their wines. But what does terroir really mean? And how should it be interpreted? Because this concept is also subject to debate. Bottom Terroir is sometimes dismissed as soil. So

The Grands Jours de Bourgogne (GJdB) is a wine festival in Burgundy. A celebration of the rich and varied wine culture. It is an international gathering, aimed at professionals. Dedicated to exploring, tasting and celebrating Burgundy wine. The event lasts for five days and attracts winemakers, traders, sommeliers and journalists

A famous wine, from an area that has been winemaking for thousands of years. We are talking about Chablis. It is believed, that the name Chablis comes from two Celtic words: ‘cab’ and ‘leya’. This should then mean ‘house by forest’. Another theory is that Chablis comes from the Latin

Wine can be stored for a long time. This is not true of all wine, but true quality wine actually gets better with age. It is estimated that around 4 per cent of all wines in the world get better with age. Many Burgundy wines fall under that 4 per

When people talk about wine from Burgundy, they are talking about appellations. Indeed, wine from Burgundy is not just a Chardonnay or a Pinot Noir. There is (almost always) an additional indication on the label: the appellation. This is a geographical indication, which tells us something about the quality and

How to cap a bottle of wine? Is a cork better or a screw cap? That discussion is not as black and white as it seems. Traditionally, wine bottles are sealed with a cork. But corks and the alternatives to cork are almost equal in terms of their ability to

Although 2024 is one of the worst years ever for Chablis, the wine festival ‘Fête des Vins de Chablis’ will of course continue as usual. But it did reflect on the poor harvest. Hailstorms in early May caused considerable damage in the vineyards. The hailstones made short work of the

All too often, people speak of ‘Montrachet’ wine. The wines are known as pricey and exclusive. But this is not just any wine, but a family of wines. Montrachet can refer to as many as seven different wines (appellations). In this article, we explain ‘Montrachet’. In the Côte d’Or department,

‘Wine gets better with age’ is a common saying. This is far from true for all wines, but certain varieties undergo chemical changes during the ageing process that do indeed improve their taste, aroma and texture. Quality wines from Burgundy and Bordeaux, in particular, are known for their ageing potential.

Spring has sprung. The first signs of life on the vineyard. Finally, some greenery appears again. Time for a new vintage! In early spring, the vines start ‘weeping’. By this is meant that the first juices come up to the end of the pruned branches. As soon as the temperature

Saint Vincent, the patron saint of winemakers, is honoured annually in Burgundy during the Saint-Vincent Tournante festival. In 2025, the festival will take place in Ladoix-Serrigny (Côte-d’Or). The festival, always organised on the last weekend of January, is not only a tribute to Saint Vincent, but also a celebration of

Wine is more than taste alone. It is a world of aromas that evoke memories and associations and reveal the identity of a terroir. In Burgundy, which is all about Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, aromas play a leading role. While visiting the Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne in

On Wednesday 1 May 2024, Chablis vineyards were hit by thunderstorms accompanied by heavy hail. Some winemakers let it be known that 80 per cent of their harvest was considered lost. A few are even already talking about 100 per cent… Many winemakers in the Chablis region are still surveying