2017 Domaine Paul Pillot Bourgogne Rouge $45

Bourgogne is the only wine region in France whose name is translated into different languages: “Burgundy” in English , “Burgund” in German, “Borgogna” in Italian,  however, the word “Bourgogne” is on every label, as an AOC.  About 200 million years ago, the region was part of a vast, tropical sea. Time transformed the seabed into limestone soils which are the secret behind the zesty minerality that are the hallmark of Burgundy wines.  The region is home to some of the most expressive wines in the known universe, while still being incredibly tasty and affordable. Pinot Noir (Bourgogne Rouge) and Chardonnay (Bourgogne Blanc) are its main grape varieties.

“Paul Pillot is quickly becoming one of my new favorite producers in Burgundy,”  says A.J. McClellan, Certified Sommelier and Founder of Roots and Water.  “Now run by Thierry Pillot, 4^th generation winemaker who took over the estate in 2004, this Domaine has really taken off in the past few years with 2015 – 2017 really shining.  While the Domaine puts an emphasis on their Chassagne and Saint Aubin properties, don’t sleep on their Bourgogne Blanc and Rouge offerings. You will find these wines are drinking far above their price point!”

“The 2017 Bourgogne Rouge really encapsulates the overall quality of this producer with amazing balance of fruit and floral as soon as you open the bottle. Coming from Estate owned sites near Chagny and Remigny this wine shows bright Bing Cherry with milk chocolate, and whole black peppercorn. The palate brings out the floral notes of violets and rose bud to compliment the wild red fruits and slight spiciness.”