2008 Simon Bize Bourgogne Blanc Les Perrieres

Domaine Simon Bize et Fils is in Savigny-Les-Beaune, in Burgundy. The estate dates from the late 19th century, when the original Simon Bize started the vineyards. Several generations later the estate is still in the hands of the Bize family with Patrick Bize now in charge. The 53-acre estate includes grand cru parcels in Corton-Charlemagne and Latricieres-Chambertin. There are also premier cru wines. Burgundy expert Clive Coates has written that Patrick Bize “is one of Burgundy’s most sensitive perfectionistic winemakers…” and that the domaine “is an address not to be missed.”

Burgundy in eastern France is, if not the most famous and storied wine region in the world, certainly one of the top two or three. Its winemaking history dates from the Roman era, and its relatively small size and reputation for outstanding wines means that the best wines of Burgundy are generally among the world’s most prized – and costly – wines. At about 110,000 vineyards acres, Burgundy is only 40% as big as Bordeaux, and its system of dividing up vineyards into small, family-owned parcels makes understanding the wines of Burgundy a life-long pursuit for Burgundy enthusiasts. The three main grapes of Burgundy are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Gamay. Burgundy is a long, narrow, north-south running region consisting of five main areas. They are Chablis in the north, Côte D’Or, Côte Chalonnaise, Mâconnais and Beaujolais, which is just above the Rhone Valley. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are grown throughout most of Burgundy but Gamay is grown primarily in Beaujolais. The appellation system and rules about labeling can be confusing and the system classifies regions, villages and even individual vineyards. Grand Cru is the most prestigious appellation category, followed by Premier Cru and many village and regional appellations.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.