SEARCH
406 results found with an empty search
Other Pages (66)
- Domaine des Trouilleres | Auvergne | Mosaique Wines
Les Athletes du Vin is a collective of some of finest organic Loire Valley producers. Established in 2016, their objective is to make great value wines for wine lovers across the world, highlighting the appellations and grape varietals that contribute to the diversity and beauty of the Loire valley. DOMAINE DES TROUILLERES Auvergne Organic certified Volcanic soils, it turns out, are destined to follow Mikael Hyvert wherever he goes. Perhaps they have a natural pull that keeps Hyvert coming back. Either way, from the volcanoes of Tahiti that filled his youth, to the dormant rises of Auvergne, there’s no questioning Hyvert’s passion for this landscape. Growing up in Tahiti with a French father, and a family friend in the wine import trade, it was only a matter of time before Mikael would come to discover the pleasures of wine. When looking for a career path after graduating high school, it would only take a gentle nudge to point him in the direction of Bordeaux, and enrolling in Blanquefort viticulture school. And from here, the rest, as they say, is history. The natural wine bug bit hard during this time, as Mikael became more and more focused on these techniques. A friendship forged in Bordeaux with a Loire local then resulted in Mikael seeking out legends from the region, including Olivier Lemasson, Herve Villemade and Thierry Puzelat to work with and learn from. After an eventful vintage experience in Chile, Hyvert made his way back to the fertile learning grounds of the Loire and Bordeaux before an opportunity to make his own wine presented itself. Plans were already brewing to move to Languedoc with his archaeologist girlfriend, Camille, however the right fit was proving hard to find. Fate intervened when Camille was offered a 12 month contract in the Auvergne. The volcanic landscape reminded Mikael of his childhood in Tahiti and it wasn’t long before the winemaking potential of the region became apparent. While finding his feet in Auvergne with different domaines, fate again intervened through a chance meeting with winemaker Jean-Pierre Pradier, founder of the AOC Cotes d’Auvergne and owner of Domaine des Trouilleres. The connection between the two was immediate, with shared views on organic farming facilitating a friendship that would later lead to Pradier finding his successor in Mikael in 2016. The region is technically part of the Loire, where Mikael had already spent much time, and while it’s not as well known as other areas of the Loire, Auvergne has a long, storied history of resistance spirit. In fact, it used to be one of the biggest wine regions in France, with 45,000ha under vine before a combination of Phylloxera and population movement decimated the region. Today, Auvergne is enjoying a renaissance with young, dynamic winemakers making the most of more affordable land and excellent growing conditions for organic wines. The climate tends to be a dry mediterranean one, with continental influence and a mountainous landscape to provide protection from inclement weather - ideal for minimal intervention farming. Domaine des Trouilleres produces gamay, chardonnay and pinot noir in this climate, on a tiny 5.8 ha situated between 380 - 500m altitude. This pocket size vineyard planted at 5,500 vines per ha makes only 35,000 bottles yearly, so we consider ourselves very lucky to get an allocation! In the winery, Mikael follows natural winemaking practices to complement the organic approach in the vineyard. This means no sulphur use during vinification, with a small amount only used during bottling. The resulting wines are honest, lively reflections of their volcanic terroir and highlight the dynamism of this young producer. Shop wines We don’t have any products to show here right now.
- Domaine Ogereau | Anjou & Savennière | Mosaique Wines
Nestled in the heart of Anjou Noir, in the village of Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay, along the serene banks of the Layon River, lies Domaine Ogereau - a domaine that has been quietly crafting magnificent expressions of terroir-driven Chenin Blanc for over a century with vineyards across Anjou, Coteaux du Layon, Quart de Chaume Grand Cru, and Savennieres now run by Emmanuel Ogereau. DOMAINE OGEREAU Anjou Noir, Savennieres, Layon, Quarts de Chaume Organic & Biodynamic BETTANE ET DESSEAUVE: Producer of the year 2020 “At the top of his game, Emmanuel Ogereau established himself as a great of the Loire Valley signature with his cuvees of high esteem. We are stunned by the definition and precision of the wines. Finesse, elegance, everything is in line. A staple." REVUE DES VINS DE FRANCE: 1* Star “The consistency and precision of the wines year after year guided us to give the domaine its first start. Vincent Ogereau and his son Emmanuel, have a firm conviction of their vision for great Chenins of terroir, dry or sweet. Le Clos Le Grand Beaupréau (on Aeolian sands at the top of the hill d’Épiré) and La Saponaire are amongst some of the most ambitious whites of the Savennières appellation. Care and precision, these are two words that come often in the description of these wines.” MANUEL PEYRONDET (MOF and France Best Sommelier 2008) “Without any doubt, Emmanuel Ogereau is on his way to write a magnificent chapter in the Anjou Noir and deserve the attention of all wine lovers!” Nestled in the heart of Anjou Noir, in the village of Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay, along the serene banks of the Layon River, lies Domaine Ogereau - a domaine that has been quietly crafting magnificent expressions of terroir-driven wines for over a century. Born in the late 1890s, the journey of this family-owned domaine has been one of gradual evolution, with a deep appreciation for the land at the heart of it all. Beginning with vine plantings after the devastating of phylloxera, the masterful mosaic of vineyards now encompasses diverse terroirs across Anjou, Coteaux du Layon, Quart de Chaume Grand Cru, and Savennieres - the culmination of an enduring legacy of multi-generational winemakers now overseen by Emmanuel Ogereau. Born in 1989, all the clichés of life on the family vineyard ring true for Emmanuel. His early years were steeped in the rich traditions of winemaking, with plenty of time spent (willingly) in the family cellars instilling a profound love, energy and enthusiasm for the craft which endures. Following his formal education, Emmanuel pursued winemaking and viticulture studies in Angers, honing his skills and knowledge before venturing to the far corners of the earth, interning at Carrick, a biodynamic vineyard in Central Otago. Upon meeting Emmanuel, his passion for all things wine is evident. He is proud of his family and their achievements (particularly his father, Vincent who is renowned as one of Anjou's classic winemakers), but also champions other producers in the region who are as progressive and curious. Emmanuel’s knowledge of the region is intimate, and it shows in his approach to winemaking. Understanding the array and complexity of soil types (Dark Schist, Aeolian Sand, Sandstone Vein, Puddingstone and Carboniferous Coal, Spilite, Sandstone Schists, and Altered Schists) is crucial to be able to farm the plantings of Chenin Blanc, Grolleau, Pineau d'Aunis, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon organically (certified Ecocert). This commitment and respect for the land is foremost, with an ongoing conversion to biodynamic viticulture (Biodyvin) underway for his 23 hectares. Without doubt, the variety Domaine Ogereau can hang its hat on is the region hero - Chenin Blanc. In the realm of Chenin, Emmanuel is unyielding in his dedication to showcasing the remarkable diversity of terroirs and treatments. His contribution to the family domaine has been his meticulous approach to crafting these wines, a dedication to the 'No Botrytis' style setting a new standard for how pure dry Chenin Blanc can be. The grapes are harvested before the onset of botrytis, ensuring that only unaffected berries make it into the final wines. For the dry whites, any botrytised grapes are painstakingly removed. The harvest is conducted in two sweeps, focusing on the golden moment when the grapes start to turn yellow. In the cellar, Emmanuel uses sulphur judiciously, avoiding overuse, and occasionally explores trials with zero added sulphur. His exacting standards extend to the selection of juice, with whole clusters gently pressed without crushing. Pressing is slow and the first twenty litres of free-run juice are consistently discarded in order to avoid undesired herbaceous notes and bitterness. Natural fermentation begins in stainless steel tanks, then the wines are transferred to their ageing vessels: cement tanks lined with sandstone tiles, 400 and 500-liter barrels or Stockinger foudre (no new oak). The wines ferment until fully dry for the sec. They are usually lightly filtered. Important note, sometimes 30% of his Chenins undergo partial malolactic fermentation, a ‘winemaker’s choice’ to enhance the character of his wines. Emmanuel Ogereau's wines are the embodiment of the finest terroir-driven expressions, marked by precision, elegance, and a connection to the land. As Emmanuel continues to refine his craft and innovate, the wines of Domaine Ogereau are just getting better and better. https://domaineogereau.com/en/ Shop wines Quick View 2021 Domaine Ogereau Anjou 'Vent de Spilite' white Price $91.00 GST Included Quick View 2023 Domaine Ogereau VDF 'L'Enjouée' red Price $49.00 GST Included Quick View 2021 Domaine Ogereau Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru 'La Martinière' 50cl sweet Price $135.00 GST Included Quick View 2023 Domaine Ogereau Coteaux du Layou 'Saint Lambert' sweet Out of stock
- Delivery | Mosaique Wines
Importer and distributor of organic, biodynamic and sustainable French wines from Champagne, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Bordeaux and beyond. delivery of goods Delivery across Australia will be charged a flat rate of $20 for all orders under $250. No minimum order (mix packs possible). Please include in the ‘delivery instructions’ where the wine can be left if you are not home. Deliveries can be made to both home and work addresses. We currently do not deliver wine on weekends or public holidays but if you require this please contact us to see if we can arrange this for larger orders or function orders. Please note this may incur an extra delivery fee. Physical goods may be delivered by Anonymous Freight, Margold Logistics and/or other reputable courier companies such as Australia post or Aramex. Deliveries are processed promptly upon receipt of full payment. Thanks to the tracking service supplied by our couriers you will be able to stay informed with your delivery. Delivery may take between 2 and 10 working days, depending on the delivery location. Expected delivery times: Melbourne 1-2 business day. Sydney 1-2 business day. ACT, QLD, TAS, SA 3-5 business days. WA 8-10 business days. NT 10-14 business days. *Regional areas; please ask us for delivery times. Please note our cut off times for Christmas Delivery 2025 are: VIC Melbourne - Thursday 18th December Mornington Peninsula - Wednesday 17th December Geelong - Tuesday 16th December Country VIC - Monday 15th December NSW Sydney - Thursday 18th December Country NSW - Monday 1st December Central Coast - Monday 15th December Newcastle - Monday 15th December Wollongong - Monday 15th December QLD Brisbane - Wednesday 17th December Byron Bay - Wednesday 17th December Gold Coast - Monday 15th December Sunshine Coast - Monday 15th December Country QLD - Monday 1st December SA Adelaide - Wednesday 17th December Country SA - Monday 1st December WA Perth - Thursday 11th December Country WA - Monday 1st December ACT Canberra - Monday 15th December TAS Hobart - Monday 15th December Launceston - Monday 15th December Country TAS - Monday 1st December In line with our warehousing and logistics partner we will be closed from Wednesday 24th December 12noon and will re-open on Monday 12th January. Damaged or lost orders should be resolved with Mosaique wines and we are not responsible for goods that are damaged in transit or not received by the courier company. Replacement of damaged or lost items is made at the discretion of Mosaique wines.
Events (8)
- The Athletes of Wine x Les Athlètes du Vin: wine dinnerTickets: $145.0022 October 2025 | 7:30 am1/238 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
- 12 December 2025 | 7:00 am1533 High St, Glen Iris VIC 3146, Australia
- Champagne Waris-Hubert & Champagne Vincent CoucheTickets: $0.0030 October 2025 | 7:00 am88 Broadway, Nedlands WA 6009, Australia
Blog Posts (8)
- Discover Provence: The Jewel of French Winemaking
Provence - the mere mention of this sun-drenched southeastern corner of France conjures scenes of sunny days, the violet haze of lavender fields, ice-cold pastis and rolling vineyards. Renowned for its Mediterranean coastline, and a winemaking tradition steeped in history, Provence produces some of the most elegant and expressive wines in the world. It is easy to see why this wine region is one of the most loved and visited in France. A Rich History of Winemaking Winemaking in Provence dates back over 2,600 years, making it the oldest wine-producing region in France. Introduced by the ancient Greeks around 600 BCE, vineyards thrived in the region, later cultivated by the Romans, who expanded production and introduced advanced viticulture techniques. Over the centuries, Provence has remained at the forefront of French winemaking, with its Rosé wines becoming emblematic of the region’s charm and sophistication. Signature Grape Varietals Provence is celebrated for its diversity of grape varietals, which thrive under the Mediterranean sun. Some of the key grapes include: Grenache: A cornerstone of Provençal Rosés, Grenache brings ripe red fruit flavours and a hint of spice. Cinsault: Known for its light, fruity character, Cinsault adds freshness and finesse to blends. Syrah: Contributing depth and structure, Syrah is often found in Provence’s reds and rosés. Mourvèdre: A bold varietal that imparts earthy, dark fruit notes and excellent aging potential. Rolle (Vermentino): A white grape prized for its citrusy, floral aromas and crisp acidity. The Unique Terroir of Provence Provence’s terroir is as diverse as its wines. The region benefits from a Mediterranean climate, with long, warm summers, mild winters, and abundant sunshine—perfect conditions for grape ripening. The famous mistral wind sweeps through the vineyards, keeping vines healthy by reducing humidity and deterring pests. This also makes Provence an ideal region for winemakers to embrace organic and biodynamic practices. The soils in Provence vary widely, ranging from limestone and clay to schist and sand, each imparting unique characteristics to the wines. Coastal vineyards produce wines with a refreshing salinity, while inland regions offer richer, more structured expressions. Sub-Regions of Provence Provence is home to several distinct appellations (AOCs), each offering its own unique wines and terroir. Here are some of the most significant: Bandol – The Powerhouse of Mourvèdre Bandol, one of Provence’s most prestigious appellations, is renowned for its robust, age-worthy red wines, primarily made from the Mourvèdre grape. Situated on terraced vineyards overlooking the Mediterranean, Bandol’s terroir features limestone soils and ample sunshine, creating ideal conditions for this late-ripening varietal. The reds of Bandol are structured and complex, with flavours of dark berries, earthy spice, and a signature minerality that develops beautifully with age. In addition to its iconic reds, Bandol also produces refined rosé wines that balance power and freshness, often with notes of red fruits and herbs. The small-production whites from the region, typically blends of Clairette and Ugni Blanc, offer a delicate floral and citrus profile. Côtes de Provence – The Heart of Rosé As the largest appellation in Provence, Côtes de Provence is synonymous with rosé wine. Spanning a wide geographical area, its varied terroirs give rise to wines that range from light and crisp to more structured and aromatic. Rosé wines from Côtes de Provence are typically blends of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, and they capture the essence of Mediterranean living—fresh, vibrant, and perfect for sunny days. Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence – A Mediterranean Gem The Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence appellation, located west of the region, benefits from a Mediterranean climate influenced by both the mistral wind and coastal breezes. Known for its aromatic rosés and balanced reds, this region’s wines often feature bright acidity and vibrant fruit flavours. The reds are typically blends of Grenache, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, offering elegance and structure. Cassis – A Haven for White Wines Nestled along the Mediterranean coast, Cassis stands out in Provence for its exceptional white wines. Made primarily from Marsanne, Clairette, and Ugni Blanc, Cassis whites are aromatic, fresh, and mineral-driven, with notes of citrus, herbs, and white flowers. The cool coastal climate and limestone-rich soils give these wines their unique finesse, making them ideal for seafood dishes and Mediterranean cuisine. Food and Wine Pairings Provençal wines are incredibly versatile, making them perfect companions for a variety of dishes: Rosé: The quintessential wine of Provence, rosé pairs beautifully with Mediterranean cuisine—think Niçoise salad, grilled seafood, and ratatouille. Its crisp acidity and delicate fruit notes make it ideal for al fresco dining. Red Wines: The reds of Provence, often blends of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, are excellent with roasted lamb, beef daube (a hearty Provençal stew), or charcuterie. White Wines : Rolle-based whites are vibrant and refreshing, pairing wonderfully with oysters, grilled fish, or goat cheese. Pastis: No Provençal aperitif is as iconic as pastis. With its refreshing anise flavour, this traditional drink is a perfect match for charcuterie platters or seafood dishes. Pastis also plays a starring role in the region’s celebrated bouillabaisse, lending depth and complexity to the flavours of this iconic fish stew. Experience the Elegance of Provence Provence is more than just a wine region—it’s a way of life. With its picturesque vineyards, historic villages, and wines that capture the essence of the Mediterranean, it’s no wonder this region continues to enchant wine enthusiasts around the globe.
- Rhône Rangers: Explore the Rich Tradition of the Rhône Valley Wine Region
The Rhône Valley is more than just a place on the map—it's an enchanting world of vineyards, sun-drenched hillsides, and charming villages contributing to some of France’s most revered wines. From powerful reds to elegant whites and refreshing rosés, this stunning region has earned its reputation as one of the world's great wine landscapes, offering a tapestry of flavours shaped by history, terroir, and the passionate hands of winemakers who have nurtured it for generations. A Journey Through Rhône Valley’s Rich History Winemaking in the Rhône Valley dates back over 2,000 years, with roots in ancient Greece and Rome. The Romans, captivated by the region’s fertile soil and unique climate, established vineyards along the Rhône River, laying the foundation for what would become one of France’s most historic wine regions. In the Middle Ages, Rhône wines gained favour among popes residing in Avignon, with Châteauneuf-du-Pape—meaning “the pope’s new castle”—becoming a symbol of prestige and quality. Over centuries, winemakers have cultivated the land with respect and innovation, crafting wines celebrated worldwide for their authenticity and complexity. Rhône Valley Wine: A Tale of Two Worlds The Rhône Valley stretches nearly 200 kilometres along the Rhône River, with vineyards spread across two distinct sub-regions: the Northern Rhône and the Southern Rhône. Each brings its climate, landscape, and character, resulting in wines that reflect the unique personality of their origins. Northern Rhône: With its steep, terraced vineyards and cooler continental climate, the Northern Rhône is home to bold, structured reds. Syrah reigns supreme here, yielding wines that are rich in spice, dark fruit, and subtle earthiness. Appellations like Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, and Cornas produce powerful and refined wines, with flavours that unfold beautifully over time. Southern Rhône: Moving south, the climate grows warmer and the wines more diverse. Mediterranean sunshine beats down on these vineyards, where Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and other varieties thrive. Here, in the legendary appellations of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, and Vacqueyras, wines are known for their lush, robust flavours with notes of dried herbs, ripe fruit, and spices—a perfect pairing with the region’s rich culinary traditions. A Love Affair with Rhône Valley Grapes The Rhône Valley is home to some of the world’s most beloved grape varieties, each adding its own magic to the region’s wines: Syrah: The pride of the Northern Rhône, Syrah produces deep, intense wines with a seductive bouquet of black pepper, smoke, and dark fruit. These wines are both powerful and elegant, with exceptional ageing potential. Grenache: The heart and soul of Southern Rhône blends, Grenache offers soft, fruit-forward flavours of strawberry and raspberry, with a hint of spice. Often paired with Syrah and Mourvèdre, it creates the classic Rhône GSM blend that wine lovers around the world adore. Mourvèdre: Known for its structure and depth, Mourvèdre brings earthy, gamey notes to blends. Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne: These white varieties bring a fragrant, full-bodied elegance to Northern Rhône wines, with notes of white flowers, apricots, and honey—a lush alternative for those who prefer their wines lighter in hue but equally rich in character. Often blended in different combinations, these varietals are also individually delightful. Rhône Valley’s Iconic Appellations: Where Legends Are Made In the Rhône Valley, each appellation tells its own story, offering a unique expression of place, climate, and winemaking tradition: Côte-Rôtie: Named the “roasted slope” for its sun-drenched, granite and schist hillsides, Côte-Rôtie is a region of iconic Syrah wines. Here, small amounts of Viognier are often added to soften the wine, lending a floral complexity that is simply unforgettable. Hermitage: Revered for producing some of the world’s most powerful and age-worthy Syrah. Thanks to its granite and gravel soils, hermitage wines are rich and complex, with flavours that continue to evolve and surprise. Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Built on pebbles, limestone and sand, and known as the jewel of the Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is celebrated for its opulent, spicy reds, crafted from up to 13 permitted grape varieties. These wines embody the warmth of the Southern Rhône, with flavours of dried herbs, ripe fruits, and a touch of rustic elegance. Gigondas and Vacqueyras: These neighbouring appellations offer wines with a robust, spicy character, capturing the rugged beauty of the Southern Rhône landscape, sitting atop soils of pebbles, sand, clay, marl and limestone. Perfect for a variety of occasions, these are wines for casual dinners with friends to festive feasts. Tradition Meets Innovation in Rhône Valley Winemaking Winemakers in the Rhône Valley are as varied as the wines they create, blending time-honoured traditions with innovative approaches. While many estates continue to follow natural and biodynamic practices, others experiment with small-batch fermentation to capture the region’s terroir in new ways. This dedication to quality and craftsmanship allows Rhône Valley wines to honour their past while embracing the future.
- Unlocking the Beauty of Burgundy
Whether you’re a certified wine lover, a dedicated collector or someone who has ever been handed a wine list - there’s no doubt you’re aware of a place called Burgundy. Nestled in the eastern part of France, Burgundy is renowned for its exceptional terroir, which yields some of the most exquisite wines ever made. With a legacy steeped in tradition and a commitment to quality, Burgundy stands as a beacon of vinicultural heritage, captivating the heart and palate (and wallets) of wine enthusiasts from around the globe. Unravelling a Long History To truly appreciate Burgundy wines, it's essential to understand their rich history. Dating back centuries, the region's viticultural roots can be traced to the Roman era when vine cultivation flourished along the fertile slopes of Burgundy. However, it was the monastic orders of the Middle Ages that truly cultivated Burgundy's winemaking legacy. Monks, with their meticulous attention to detail and reverence for the land, played a pivotal role in shaping Burgundy's vineyards and refining winemaking techniques. They recognised the unique terroirs scattered throughout the landscape, and set about meticulously categorising and tending to each parcel of land to optimise grape quality and flavour expression. As the Middle Ages gave way to the Renaissance, Burgundy's wines gained international acclaim, coveted by royalty and connoisseurs alike. The Duchy of Burgundy emerged as a cultural and economic powerhouse, with its wines prized for their purity, elegance, and age-worthiness. However, the 19th century brought both triumph and tribulation to Burgundy's winemakers. The phylloxera epidemic devastated vineyards across Europe, including those of Burgundy, leading to widespread destruction and economic hardship. Yet, Burgundian winemakers persevered, replanting vineyards with disease-resistant rootstocks and embracing modern viticultural practices to revive their beloved terroirs. In the 20th century, Burgundy experienced a renaissance of sorts, propelled by a renewed focus on quality and authenticity. Winemakers began to reclaim abandoned vineyards, rediscovering forgotten terroirs and grape varieties. Echoes of Napoleon In the late 15th century, Burgundy's fate became intertwined with that of France, then under monarchical rule. However, the winds of change swept through the land with the French Revolution, reshaping the landscape of Burgundy's vineyards. As part of the revolutionary fervour, the church's vast land holdings were seized and auctioned off to private owners, heralding a new era of ownership and stewardship. Yet, the division of these lands was a complex affair. Implementing the Code Napoléon mandated equal inheritance distribution among heirs, leading to the fragmentation of estates over successive generations. Today, the legacy of this division is evident in Burgundy's vineyards, where châteaux may boast dozens of owners, each holding sway over only a few rows of vines. This intricate web of ownership underscores the unique character of Burgundy's winemaking landscape, where tradition and heritage intersect with the complexities of modern inheritance law. Grapes Galore: The Stars of Burgundy Burgundy is synonymous with two noble grape varieties: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Pinot Noir, native to Burgundy, flourishes in limestone and clay soils, yielding wines of remarkable complexity. Ranging in colour from cherry to brick, these light-bodied red wines offer delicate red fruit and spicy notes. While Gamay, another red grape, is cultivated in Burgundy, it only constitutes roughly 10% of the vines planted (this may be because in 1395 it was actually once banned, as it was feared it would overtake Pinot Noir given how prolifically it grew). Chardonnay takes centre stage as Burgundy's primary white grape, thriving in Burgundy's marl soil, yielding wines with delicate floral, fruit, and mineral aromas, alongside full-bodied flavours. Aligoté , the region's secondary white grape, accounts for 6% of vineyard cultivation. Burgundy also produces a notable sparkling wine, Crémant de Bourgogne , crafted from a blend of Chardonnay , Pinot Noir, Aligoté and Gamay . This sparkling wine comes in various styles, including blanc, blanc de blancs, blanc de noirs, and rosé. Terroir Terroir Everywhere: Exploring Burgundy's Geographical Diversity One of Burgundy's most captivating features is its patchwork of terroirs, each contributing to the kaleidoscope of flavours found in its wines. Spanning just 150km, the region is divided into distinctive sub-regions, each with its own terroir and characteristics. Chablis and Grand Auxerrois lie in the northwest corner, where the iconic Chablis wines, crafted solely from Chardonnay grapes, are made. Across the Serein River, Petit Chablis offers a lighter alternative, brimming with citrus and floral notes. Meanwhile, Grand Auxerrois boasts diversity across its four areas, from the Chardonnay and Aligoté whites to Pinot Noir and Gamay reds. In the narrow strip from Dijon to Nuits St George, the Côte de Nuits emerges as the powerhouse of red wines, boasting Burgundy's majority of Grand Crus. Yet, it also yields a select few whites and rosés, with its powerful reds standing as global benchmarks of excellence. Nearby, the Côte de Beaune stretches from Ladoix-Serrigny to the Maranges communes, boasting numerous Grand Crus and Premier Cru wines. Notably, Côte de Beaune is home to 7 of the 8 white wine Grand Crus. Further south, the Côte Chalonnaise unfolds with its hilly terrain. Here, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay both reign supreme, complemented by a touch of Aligoté. Notably, Bouzeron stands as the sole appellation dedicated exclusively to white wine from the Aligoté grape. Lastly, nestled between valleys, Mâconnaise spans 22 miles, primarily cultivating Chardonnay grapes with a hint of Gamay. Village to Grand Cru: Let’s Talk Classification Out of all the French wine regions, understanding the wine labels of Burgundy is perhaps the most important. Once you have your vintage and producer clear, there’s the matter of exactly the quality of the vineyard it’s from to decipher. At the top of Burgundy's wine pyramid are the Grand Crus, the crème de la crème, representing just 1.3% of production across 33 designated crus. These wines are like gems, each sip a treasure trove of flavour. Next up are the Premier Crus, a diverse bunch making up 9.3% of Burgundy's wines - always intriguing and full of surprises. Then there are the Village wines, the heart and soul of Burgundy, making up over a third of production. These wines embody the spirit of their villages, each one reflecting the collective spirit of its community of vines. Lastly, there are the Regional wines, the everyday heroes, making up the majority at 51.3% of production. They may not have fancy labels but they are delicious and can offer incredible value. Evolution in Motion: The Changing Styles of Burgundy Wines While Burgundy's winemaking traditions run deep, the region is also marked by a spirit of innovation and evolution. Over the years, winemakers have embraced modern techniques and practices while staying true to the essence of Burgundian winemaking, this is no more evident in the increasing embrace of organic and biodynamic practices throughout the region. This dynamic blend of tradition and innovation has led to the emergence of new styles, fresh talent and concentrated expressions, offering us all the benefits of Burgundy's ever-evolving landscape.








