Visually, Burgundy isn’t a particularly mysterious place; the low-growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines hunker over the earth in their search for heat. From a vantage point to the east of Chablis, you can survey the gentle landscape and precious grand cru sites in a sweeping glance but, the wines themselves continue to remain a mystery—one that we ponder with each passing vintage.

During the week-long parade of trade tastings known fittingly as Les Grands Jours, it seemed as if no stone has been left unturned by importers in their efforts to demystify the  wines. Tastings that began in Chablis and stretched to the far reaches of the Mâconnais revealed that, while importers have been astute in seeking out quality, there are new discoveries to be made in Burgundy. Primarily in the form of young producers who have branched out, after years of mentoring, to start their own labels and less-visible sub-regions whose wine quality is pushing forward by leaps and bounds.

 At this bi-annual celebration, Burgundy’s grand cru vineyards sustain the most scrutiny, and at the elegant “Nobility of Clos Vougeot” tasting at Château du Clos de Vougeot, more than 50 producers presented wines from the fabled site. With smaller producers pouring side by side with some of the region’s most recognizable names—Drouhin, Faiveley, Jadot, Latour, Prieur—equal consideration is seemingly given to everyone. Similar tastings “From Chambolle to Morey” and “The Maranges to Montrachet Going Though Santenay and Saint-Aubin)” included both grand cru producers and their neighbors, creating a truly exciting dynamic.  See complete article here…Burgundy_June_2012