Bordeaux might be king of French wine, but Burgundy is the undisputed queen. Revered for its elegant Chardonnays and smooth Pinot noirs, there are more than 80 AOCs stretched across the region. Today, thanks to the internet, you no longer need to travel to Beaujolais or Chablis to find the best bottles either.
One of Cave de Lugny’s many vineyards (Photo: Wine.com)
Burgundy is a land of long, lazy lunches, which makes for a rich winemaking culture. Formerly one of the richest ancient duchies in France, the region now encompasses several districts and eminent wine regions. Some of its most famous include the Cote d’Or (the historic home of pinot noir and chardonnay), Beaujolais, and Bourgogne. Soils range considerably along its 138 miles, which makes for staggering variety (and quality) too. But with so many on offer, which to choose? We’ve scoured the internet for seven of the best burgundy wines you can buy online based on critic reviews, customer ratings, and price. While many Burgundy wines are now priced beyond most wine-loves pay packets, there are bargains to be found. For that reason, we’ve only considered wines under $180 for our roundup.
Cave de Lugny Macon Lugny Les Charmes Chardonnay
With over 400 winemaker members, Cave de Lugny Co-operative is hardly the small-town producer most people associate with Burgundy. Located within the AOC Burgundy-Maconnais, it controls one-third of production in Southern Burgundy and around 50% of the total production in Maconnais. But, it does make some of the region’s best chardonnays – with bottles starting at affordable price points too. This full-bodied variety is particularly peachy, with notes of apricot, redcurrant, white blossom, and a touch of lemon. From $18.99
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Duboeuf Fleurie Domaine des Quatre Vents 2019
A beautiful, bold wine from Duboeuf Fleurie (Photo: Wine.com)
This big, bold red is highly rated by wine experts and surprisingly affordable too. Rich and inky in color, it offers delicate aromas of black fruits, spices, and a subtle vanilla undertone. A medium-bodied wine, it’s the perfect accompaniment for grilled meats, spicy dishes, and aged cheeses. Georges Duboeuf has produced wine in Burgundy’s Beaujolais region for over 40 years with aplomb; he’s known as the ‘King of Beaujolais’. They sell around 30 million bottles every year. From $23.99.
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Bouchard Pere & Fils Reserve Bougogne Pinot Noir 2019
Founded in 1731, Bouchard Père & Fils is one of the region’s oldest and best-known wine producers. Devoted to producing exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the winery now boasts 130 hectares of vines with 12 classed Grand Cru and 74 classes as Premier Cru. That’s an awful lot of potential for great wines. This intensely aromatic bottle offers notes of cherry, raspberry, and currants, with a pleasing mix of tannins and fruits. There’s a smokiness to the flavor too, which pairs well with roasted dishes, poultry, and medium-flavored cheeses. From $22.98 (usually $28).
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Albert Bichot Moulin-a-Vent Domaine de Rochegres 2017
A best-selling Gamay wine from Albert Bichot (Photo: Wine.com)
This best-selling Gamay wine is produced by Albert Bichot, an award-winning winery located in the Beaujolais region. Bichot founded the winery in 1966, but the family has called Burgundy home since 1350 – so you could say they know a little more than most about the terroir. This characterful red has a rich acidity with ripe red fruit, blackberry, and spicy notes. It pairs best with red meats, poultry, and milder cheeses. It’s ready to drink now but wait until 2023 for the best results. From $32.99.
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Maison Champy Pernand-Vergelesses 2016
This crystal-clear, pale gold Chardonnay is the perfect accompaniment for fish and poultry dishes, shellfish, and scallops. Harmonious and rich, with notes of white flowers, citrus, and mint, every sip is fresh and elegant. That’s hardly surprising, given it comes from the oldest winemaker in Burgundy. Dating back to 1720, the UNESCO-listed Maison Champy winery was designed by Gustave Eiffel himself. It’s where Louis Pasteur developed the pasteurization method too. Today, it comprises 52 acres of organically-farmed and highly-prized vineyards. From $49.99.
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Domaine Roux Pere & Fils Pommard 2017
A show-stopping red from Domaine Roux Per & Fils (Photo: Wine.com)
A favorite with critics, this Pinot Noir has aromas of berries, cherries, and plums and an undernote of leather and pepper. It’s a rich, yet delicate, wine which makes it ideal for game, steaks, and stewed poultry. The Roux family has been in the business of making wines for generations, serving top-notch restaurants and boutique wine shops throughout Paris. Now run by its fifth generation, the winery boasts an array of villages, single vineyards, and Premier Cru estates. From $64.99.
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Lucien Le Moine Chambolle-Musigny Les Baudes Premier Cru 2018
For those with deeper pockets and a desire to spend a little more on their wines, this critically acclaimed bottle is an excellent option. The small, two-person House of Grands Crus winery epitomizes the romantic idea of small Burgundian domain too. This wine was bottled in 2018 and rested for two years to give it an earthy barnyard character. With notes of spring rose, raspberry, and pipe tobacco, this pinot noir has a powerful flavor that can hold its own with barbecued meats, grills, and aged cheeses. From $179.99.
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