When #teamVB went to Burgundy

November 2016. The world finds itself immersed in the run up to the busiest time of the year. The Vino Beano, however, finds itself with quite a different agenda - Burgundy. But the plot, as they say, thickens further still. This may well be the time of year that the wine world makes its annual pilgrimage to the land of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to sample the latest vintage 'En Primeur', but #teamVB had other plans.
As you all know by now, our mission is to bring top quality, unbeatable value and artisan wines to the UK. And if we could find a couple of hidden gems waiting for us in Burgundy, we knew we'd have some very happy Beanos. Alas, Burgundy will always be alongside Bordeaux at the very top of the "most wanted" list. And given that there can only be so much wine produced in any region, finding something that's top quality, affordable and undiscovered... Safe to say it isn't easy.
Valiantly, we took on the challenge. As soon as we were off the plane, we got to work. We tasted our way through Chablis, Beaune and the Côte-d'Or, all the way down to the Mâconnais and Beaujolais. But what did we find, you ask? We didn't just discover hidden gems, oh no. #teamVB went to the Côte-d'Or, and we struck gold...

Domaine Gueguen, Chablis

We couldn't have asked for a better start to our whistle-stop tour of Burgundy. Having just arrived at our very first visit, within minutes we were enjoying some of the finest Chablis we'd ever tasted. With a jaw dropping range of Petit Chablis, Chablis and two Premier crus - Vosgros and Vaucoupin - we're very excited to welcome Domaine Gueguen to the #teamVB family.

Our pick: Domaine Gueguen Chablis 2015, £85 per 6, or £14.17 per bottle.

Domaine Regnaudot, Maranges

Finding our very own Premier Cru Maranges was definitely cause for celebration. But finding three?! We just couldn't believe our luck. Maranges lies to the South of the Côte d’Or, just west of Santenay; and is one of Burgundy's few regions where there are still exceptional undiscovered wines. Regnaudot's three premier crus - Le Clos des Loyères, La Fussière & Les Clos Roussots - all show exemplary characteristics of Burgundy's unique terroir.

Domaine Regnaudot Maranges Premier Cru Collection 2015: two bottles of each premier cru - Le Clos des Loyères; La Fussière & Les Clos Roussots - £115 per 6, or £19.17 per bottle.

Burgundy 2015 - a very special vintage indeed

Domaine de Robert, Fleurie

Our final day in Burgundy saw us arriving in the famous old town of Beaujolais. We found ourselves instantly taken by winemaker Patrick Brunet, who has been making his wines almost single-handedly since he was just 18 years old. This certainly shows through in his wine making skills, which have won the praise of wine critic for the New York Times, Eric Asimov. In a blind tasting of Morgon and Fleurie last year, this 2014 Fleurie was top of Asimov's list. With silky light tannins, bags of fresh, juicy fruit and polished, structured grip; this is surprisingly full bodied and rich for Beaujolais. Wonderful stuff.

Domaine de Robert, Fleurie 2014, £80 per 6, or £13.33 per bottle.

You've met our new recruits, but no trip to Burgundy is complete without visiting old friends...

Dénis Bouchacourt, Mâconnais

Dénis Bouchacourt's Cuvée Feuille de Laurier Pouilly-Fuissé 2014 is crisp and lean, with a great bite of acidity. It really coats the mouth beautifully with a notable mineral texture. Wonderful vibrancy and citrus intensity, underlying vanilla tones and light creamy biscuit hints. Fantastic, gorgeous lingering finish - creamy, nutty and bready, with outstanding length.

Dénis Bouchacourt Cuvée Feuille de Laurier Pouilly-Fuissé 2014, £115 per 6, or £19.17 per bottle.

Sylvaine & Alain Normand, Mâcon La Roche-Vineuse

Sylvaine & Alain Normand's Mâcon La Roche-Vineuse 2015 is ripe and vibrant on the nose with crisp apple and buttery vanilla pod. The underlie is like soft cream, with a beautiful medium bodied texture that serves to make the fruit so accessible. Pure green fruit, great acidity and lovely clean finish. The mouth waters from a touch of light, pure citrus; and yet it's still so elegant.

Sylvaine & Alain Normand Macon La Roche-Vineuse 2015, £75 per 6, or £12.50 per bottle.

Pre-order now - you won't find better Burgundy

Burgundy is one of the most sought after wine regions in the world, and is especially rare when the highest quality is concerned. These are truly magnificent Burgundian wines, and at such incredible value, you really are in for a treat.

Set to arrive late January, these wines are available to pre-order now. Secure your cases and meet our new friends from Burgundy, we can't wait to introduce them to you.

Call us on +44 (0)203 306 0640, visit us at The Vino Beano.com or reply to this email, and we'll get your world beating Burgundies on their way.

Best Wishes

#teamVB