When White Burgundy Isn’t Chardonnay

Burgundy, France is one of the most famous wine regions in the world. Strict regional regulations restrict not only the types of grapes you can grow, but also the amount of grapes you can harvest. This yield control forces farmers to focus on quality over quantity and is one of the many reasons the wines from Burgundy are some of the most complex, beautiful, and unfortunately expensive in the world. 

As many of you know, almost all wine production in Burgundy comes from either Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. The remaining fractional share is almost entirely accounted for by a slightly lesser known pair of red and white grapes: Gamay and Aligote. However, there is one appellation within Burgundy where the only permitted varietal is… Sauvignon Blanc! How’s that for a curveball to your wine knowledge?

Saint-Bris is the only district in Burgundy where Sauvignon Blanc grapes are grown. The appellation is located in the Auxerrois area of northern Burgundy, near Chablis. 

Saint-Bris yields wines that are dry, light, fresh and thoroughly pleasing. They often express aromas of citrus fruits (grapefruit, mandarin orange), peach, and crushed blackcurrant leaves with some exotic scents like lychee. The fruit profile tends to be full, floral, and tender, with a hint of salt and spice in the finish. These wines can typically be either enjoyed young or after having aged a few years (1-4).