This week for our double whammy tasting from our series Fine Wine First Friday and Around the World in 80 Wines we are hitting the hills of Burgundy and Champagne. If tasting wines from two distinct regions we think that there may be no better pair anywhere in the world, but certainly in France!

Why do these two regions get along so well? First, they are neighbors, Burgundy is just to the south of Champagne, due to this they share a lot of the same geographic features, rolling hills, similar soils, etc. Unsurprisingly with all those similarities the two regions grow the same grapes, Burgundy is known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with about 90% of their vineyards being planted to the two varietals, while in Champagne the two grapes make up about 60% of all plantings.

Whether as sparkling wine or as still wine these grapes carry many of the same attributes. In Champagne Chardonnay is known for bringing acidity to the blend and fresh notes of citrus, green apple and pear. A still Chard from Burgundy is going to have many of the same attributes! Pinot Noir is known for giving body and red fruit characteristic to the wines of Champagne, the Pinot Noirs of Burgundy, especially the Cote d’Or are known for their deep flavors and textures.

These two regions are famous the world over for making some of best wines anywhere and ever, a pretty impressive pedigree; this Friday we hope you can stop in and decide for yourself if you prefer the wines with a bit of bubble or would prefer to have them as still wines!