Burgundy at its best, and on a budget

WITH today's escalating prices coupled with the scarcity of Burgundy, the most sought-after wine today, the oft-asked question is: "Is it possible to find good, enjoyable Burgundy, red and white, at affordable prices?" The answer is: "Yes, of course!" Here's a quick overview of the current Burgundy market to provide the context for the rest. Burgundy's production is minuscule compared to that of Bordeaux; re-classify that to mean quality Burgundy at the same level of Cru Classe Bordeaux, and it is like comparing a midget to a giant. It does not take an economist to see that Burgundies will always be more expensive than Bordeaux.

The recent hail-storms in Burgundy - the third year in succession - have made an already difficult situation even more difficult, probably financially catastrophic for many small growers because for the third year in a row they are seeing their productions reduced, in some cases as sadly as 75 per cent of their normal production. Translated further, it means that downstream we will be faced with greater difficulties i…