Hong Kong Edition of “Bourgogne: The Winemakers’ Cut” Showcases Depth, Diversity and New Talents in Storied Region

(16 April 2024, Hong Kong) – The Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) celebrates the uniqueness and diversity of its Unesco World Heritage-listed, terroir-based viticulture at a grand wine-tasting journey staged today at Asia Society Hong Kong Center in Admiralty, Central. “Bourgogne: The Winemakers’ Cut” spotlights the myriad hidden treasures of the storied Bourgogne region – wines nurtured in lesser-known Village and Régionale appellations that are emerging from the shadow of the coveted Grand Cru and Village Premier Cru wines to fly the flag of unlimited depth and promise. These discoveries are ideal buys this summer, offering remarkable value for money and some of the best price-to-pleasure ratios in the wine-drinking world.

A touring festival of wine that goes behind the scenes to showcase the people and their terroirs playing their part in the region’s stardom, “Bourgogne: The Winemakers’ Cut” is presented in glorious cinematic style. It reveals the extraordinary interplay of soil, aspect, microclimate, grape variety and human skill in a picturesque landscape of patchwork plots that characterises all Bourgogne wines, not just the renowned AOCs (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée). The event also heralds a preview taste of the 2022 vintage, praised for yielding a crop of generous, high-quality wines.

Hong Kong’s bow to Bourgogne comes after its January debut during Bourgogne Week in London. The roadshow proceeds to Tokyo on 18 April 2024 before closing in Stockholm and Oslo in May.

During an exclusive tasting session hosted by Anne Moreau, President of BIVB’s Communication Commission, the Hong Kong edition sees more than 200 invited wine professionals get up close and personal with the Bourgogne Domaines, Maisons and Caves Coopératives, with the focus on emerging talents and outstanding new discoveries. A total of 34 producers and local representatives are on hand to present and pour the fruits of dedicated labour by winemakers from all over the region.

“We are delighted to introduce so many amazing Bourgogne wines to Hong Kong during the “Bourgogne: The Winemakers’ Cut” world tour, which highlights the breadth, depth, diversity and authenticity of the region’s winemaking,” says Anne Moreau, President of the Communication Commission at the Bourgogne Wine Board. “In an upward trend that has increased continuously since the 1990s and embraces all of the region’s output, from the Régionale to the Grand Cru AOCs, the quality of Bourgogne wine has never been better.

“Winemakers have steadily upped their game, proud of the region’s reputation for excellence and aware of consumer’s high expectations. They have increased their expertise and care in the vineyards and the cellar to best capture the quintessence of their singular terroir, and are renewing the vineyard parcels that form the rich tapestry of their historic and idiosyncratic wine culture. Important strides made in their knowledge of climate conditions, their commitment to environmental protection and corporate social responsibility, and their investment in research and development have also driven quality.

“Today, more than ever, the time is ripe for a wider enjoyment of Bourgogne wines and to discover new marvels at the most affordable price points.”

Bourgogne has 84 appellations, more than any other French region, and is considered to be the most conscious of terroir – its fabled cultural landscape of distinct Climats. The vineyards are further classified into Village and Village Premier Cru AOCs. The pinnacle of winemaking is found in the Grand Cru AOCs. The 33 Grand Cru AOCs represent just 1% of the region’s wine production, and the Village Premier Crus – originating from 662 Climats within 44 Village AOCs – only a further 10%.

The Village and Village Premier Cru wines, which in total account for 47% of output, offer a wealth of hidden gems beyond the celebrated premium wines. Lesser-known Village appellations such as Saint-Véran, Viré-Clessé, Givry, Montagny, Auxey-Duresses, Monthélie; Fixin, Saint-Bris and Irancy reveal the region’s vast untapped potential, where a new generation of winemakers is captivating discerning collectors and buyers by challenging conventions.

Additionally, more than half of Bourgogne’s production originates from picturesque vineyards scattered across seven Régionale AOCs. Within this appellation system, the likes of Bourgogne Chitry, Bourgogne Côte d’Or, Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise, Mâcon-Cruzille or Mâcon-Verzé strictly adhere to production regulations and plot delimitation, allowing their wines to express the uniqueness of their birthplace.

On the occasion of the Hong Kong event, the Bourgogne Wine Board uncorks nine appealing and accessible wines that serve as beacons for the beauty of their various appellations. Full tasting notes of the recommended wines can be found in Appendix I.

China and Hong Kong are important and rising markets for Bourgogne producers within the Asian region. Last year, Hong Kong was Bourgogne’s 4th largest market by value and the 15th largest by volume. Exports to Hong Kong rose to 1.27 million bottles, while their total value of EUR 96.5 million was up 3.4% on 2022. Bourgogne currently accounts for 14% of the volume of French AOC wines exported to Hong Kong and 30% of sales.

For more information about Bourgogne wines, please visit: www.bourgogne-wines.com.