BURGUNDIAN BARGAINS
In the continuous quest for value wine from Burgundy, focus has shifted south of the grand vineyards of the Côte d’Or, to the Côte Chalonnaise.
As the Côte de Beaune winds down at its southern end, there’s a pause in its majestic south- and east-facing slope. It then resumes, in a more broken fashion, with side valleys and interior secret sweet spots.
A succession of communes begins, and runs from north to south: Rully, Mercurey, Givry and Montagny, each with its own appellation, character and pleasure.
This is the Côte Chalonnaise, named after the city of Châlon-sur-Saône, out on the plain to the east.
It’s hard not to like the wines from this underappreciated region. Many are priced between $20–30, and it’s rare to see any climb above $50. Approachable and enjoyable, the reds are full of delicious, juicy, red-cherry Pinot
