It’s no simple task, understanding the classification of wines from Burgundy. However, knowing a little about the classification system helps consumers make the right purchase. No one wants to overspend for a bottle of wine, only to be disappointed when it is opened. And think about how good you feel when you find a great deal on an amazing bottle. You feel like you won the lottery! So knowing a few of the basics can prevent those ill-advised purchases and lead to more lottery winning purchases.

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Winery: Willamette Valley Vineyards
Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon

A few weeks ago, I received several bottles of wine from Willamette Valley Vineyards. I decided to sample two of the bottles of Pinot Noir at similar price point and compare them. I used the Willamette Valley Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir (selling for $25.00 from the winery) and the Willamette Valley Vineyards 2008 Whole Cluster Fermented Pinot Noir (selling for $19.00 from the winery).

 

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Winery: Olsen Family Vineyards
Wine: Viridian Pinot Gris 2007
Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Purchased: The Corkscrew
Price: $14.99

Sometime, I get too caught up with sampling my favorite varietals in hopes of finding a new favorite or everyday drinker. In general, I’m more of a red drinker and in particular a Cabernet Sauvignon LOVER! However, there are times when I prefer a white….certain food pairings and most summer days. Every now and then, I’ve got to remind myself that I need to keep trying some of my less favorite varietals. Such is the case with the Olsen Family Vineyards Viridian Pinot Gris. I haven’t tried or enjoyed many Pinot Gris in the past, but if I keep trying them I might just find one I like.

 

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And so begins my journey into Burgundy. To being, let’s take a step back and look at some of the history surrounding the region. It’s impossible to cover every aspect of history in a region where wine has been made for thousands of years, but instead we’ll hit a few highlights. Physical evidence of wine dates back to the 2^ndcentury AD. A tombstone in the village church of Corgoloin shows a Celtic god with a vine in his right hand. Other carvings on various gravestones show pictures of grapes. However, some archaeologist have theorized that grape growing in the region could date back as far as 51 BC.

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Winery: Briar Creek Cellars
Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon Vinter’s Cuveé 2005
Location: St. Helena, California
Purchased: Christmas Gift
Price: Christmas Gift

 

Jonathan and I received this bottle of wine for Christmas from Travis and Chelsea (Jonathan’s brother and his wife). Unfortunately, they weren’t able to join us for Christmas this year, but hopefully we can make a trip out to scenic Colorado soon! I’ve never been skiing, and told Jonathan it’s on my “bucket list.” I really just want to try it once, then sit by the fire with a nice glass of wine and read a book. Nevertheless, they sent us the perfect gift – wine and goodies. Do they know us or what? Unfortunately, we ate most of the snacks on our drive back so we couldn’t pair them with the wine, but the wine was enjoyable on its own.

 

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