2014 Domaine Bizot Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Blanc

Domaine Bizot is stamp-sized estate in Vosne-Romanee, Burgundy, that in the last decade has become one of Burgundy’s small treasures. Owned and run by Jean-Yves Bizot, a professor of viticulture who was mentored by the legendary Henri Jayer, Bizot produces 900 cases of Grand Cru, Premier Cru and villages wines a year from 10 acres of vineyards. His Pinot Noirs include Vosne-Romanee and Echezeaux. Robert M. Parker Jr. has written that “there is no doubt that Bizot is a vigneron who name consumers need to commit to memory.”

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.