THE GREAT BIO ESTATES OF BURGUNDY

The best way to avoid the disappointment and confusion associated with Burgundy wine, is to 'buy bio'. The greatest producers in Burgundy are all organic and biodynamic, producing magnificent wine - at often inaccessible prices!  However move down the scale a bit, and relative bargains are to be had.  

THREE PURPLE MUSTARDS  'Les Incontournables'

Domaine Leflaive

The Domaine:

The preparations used in biodynamics allow the vine to strengthen its immunity by respecting the natural balance of fauna and flora. 

Biodynamic agriculture consists mainly of taking care of the soil. It involves making sure that it is properly balanced, creating harmonious life conditions between land, plants and the environment.  The exchanges that take place between soil biology and its root and foliage systems enable the soil characteristics to be transferred to the grapes, increasing the quality of their flavours. 

The wines gain balance, structure and depth.  

Domaine Leroy

Robert Parker:

".....Lalou Bize-Leroy stands virtually alone at the top of Burgundy’s quality hierarchy....she is a perfectionist, and because she has had the courage to produce wines from low yields and bottle them naturally, without fining or filtration....other top domaines....are frightened of Bize-Leroy because they fear increasing pressure for lower yields and bio-dynamic farming. Anyone who loves great Burgundy, must realize that her wines embarrass much of what is produced in Burgundy”  

Romanee-Conti

Revue des Vins de France:

Aubert de Villaine (and his co-manager Henry-Frédéric Roch) were the first to alarm Burgundy of the possibility of asphyxiation of the soil by weed killers. ...Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC for the initiated) has been practicing organic farming since 1986 and biodynamics for two years. Aubert de Villaine asked for certification in 2008, in a concern for "organic solidarity", and humbly adds: "It is not bad to be controlled from time to time, which makes it possible to be even more strict..... ".

TWO PURPLE MUSTARDS  Great Estates

ONE PURPLE MUSTARD   Under the Radar