To start the year off right, this Saturday we’ve pulled together a fine tasting of wines from Burgundy that won’t break the bank. Burgundies can be some of the most complex and layered wines in the world, but these aren’t them. They are however very tasty wines with a lot of nuance that you can drink every day.
 
2011 Albert Bichot C’est La Vie $11
60% Chardonnay, 40% Sauvignon Blanc
Albert Bichot is a large family run winery that owns 4 large estates in Burgundy and buys grapes from many others. But besides their prestigious cuvees they make this tasty table wine that blends the full fruit if the Chardonnay with the crisp fruit of the Sauvignon Blanc. It’s the life.

2011 Albert Bichot, Bourgogne Rouge, Vieilles Vignes $17
Pinot Noir
This is the new vintage of a stalwart favorite of the shop. Blended from different vineyards in Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits with 25 to 35 year old vines, this Pinot has a fair bit of depth and complexity. The wine shows aromas of red currant, plum, and cherry. The flavor is full with a balanced acidity and a pleasant finish.
 
2009 P. Ferraud et Fils, Moulin à Vent “L’Eolienne” $ 15
Gamay
Ferraud et Fills has passed from father to son for five generations. They make a range of Burgundies but are best known for their Beaujolais where Gamay is the dominate grape. The Moulin à Vent, a Cru or Village wine, has bright smooth fruit and lots of mineral due to the granite soils of the vineyards. The flavors are of Dark Raspberry, strawberry and black pepper. Originally $22, now just $15.
 
2009 Domaine Ferraud, Morgon “Les Charmes” $16
Gamay
This single vineyard wine from a Beaujolais Cru is another exceptional deal from Ferraud. From the Hatchett Guide: Its superb range of aromas reveals astonishing complexity with hints of overripe black fruit, grape marc, plum and licorice evolving to the core. The attack is smooth and silky which then blossoms into a powerful and harmonious palate that leaves a final impression of richness and smoothness. Showing excellent ripeness, this magnificent representative of terroir will evolve for four to five years. Score: 3 (out of 3). Was $20 now $16