Egalité? Non!

On a trip to Beaujolais and Southern Burgundy I could not help but be reminded how where we are born affects us. Beaujolais has been out of fashion for many years. It is now making something of a well deserved renaissance. The wines are wonderfully fruity, and great value for money. However the region remains somewhat down at heel. Cross into the Maconais and the change is palpable. White Burgundy prospers, with prices further driven up by throst and hail damage. Little known “Burgundy” Appellations cost several times as much as a Beaujolais Cru. The region feels more prosperous. BMWs replace beat up Renaults. Houses have been extended and renovated. It’s not fair but where a winegrower is born makes a huge difference. Sancerre or Muscadet, Beaujolais or Macon, Chablis or Corbieres… Happily land costs less in the less fashionable areas, so this gives the opportunity for exciting young winemakers to establish themselves in a way they couldn’t in premium Appellations. For some great wines that don't beak the bank look for less fashionable areas - Beaujolais, Cotes de Roussillon, Minervois.....