Shaping the Future of Bourgogne, One Vine at a Time
In Bourgogne: Monitoring and Vinification of Over 300 New Varieties
In 2015, the Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) and the Comité Champagne, in partnership with INRAE* and IFV*, launched CEPInnov, a large-scale program set to run for at least 15 years. Its goal is to develop grape varieties resistant to mildew and powdery mildew while preserving the regional identity of the wines. Since Bourgogne and Champagne share the same grape varieties, this plant breeding program is a joint effort.
A series of three videos takes you into the heart of the 2023 vintage at the CEPInnov plot in Aluze, alongside the BIVB team and the Saône-et-Loire Chamber of Agriculture.
- Episode 1 introduces the CEPInnov breeding program, explaining how teams have crossed Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gouais with disease-resistant varieties. - Episode 2 highlights the agronomic monitoring conducted throughout the growing season on the experimental plot. Each of the 370 varieties is individually tracked from budburst to pruning, assessing vigor and estimating the diameter of the shoots. A total of 26 indicators are measured over the course of the season. - Episode 3 follows the BIVB team to the experimental winery, where each harvested batch is vinified separately. In 2023, this amounted to over 280 micro-vinifications, with an average batch size of 3.9 liters of grapes. All wines are then blind-tasted by a panel of experts to assess their organoleptic qualities.
This evaluation should lead to the selection of around ten varieties of interest by 2030. Several years of research are still needed before reaching the final selection through VATE (assessment of Agronomic, Technological, and Environmental Value) and official registration in the variety catalog.
Discover the 27 geographical denominations of the Mâcon appellation (aka Mâcon+) through an educational film produced by the Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) in partnership with the Mâcon Winegrowers' Union (UPVM) and Jacky Blisson, Master of Wine.
Join Jacky Blisson on an immersive journey through the 27 villages that make up the Mâcon+, each with its own unique geological features and nuances. Leveraging her expertise, she provides insights into the characteristics of the appellation and the diverse terroirs that shape these exceptional wines.
Recognized in 1997 as one of Bourgogne’s Village appellations, the Bouzeron AOC pays tribute to the grape variety that has defined its reputation: Aligoté.
The next "Rendez-vous with the wines of Bourgogne" webinar, invites you to explore the history and unique characteristics of this still-underrated appellation—one that truly deserves your attention.
What to Expect in the Webinar:
- Part 1, led by Robin Kick, Master of Wine, will highlight key aspects of the appellation through reports and interviews with winegrowers.
- Part 2 features a guided tasting of several wines.
How to Participate and Ask Questions Live:
• Join an in-person session with one of the Official Bourgogne Wine Ambassador. Contact them directly to register: list of Official Trainers
• Add this event to your calendar to receive the viewing link and ensure you don’t miss it!
We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, March 19, at 9 am, 11 am, and 7 pm (English sessions, Paris time) on www.rendez-vous-vins-bourgogne.live (a French session will run at 4 pm).
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Sustainability in Action
How our industry is committing to adapt to the climate crisis.
With the already perceptible effects of climate change, Bourgogne's winegrowers face a major challenge: preserving the identity and quality of their globally renowned wines while protecting their vineyard heritage against increasingly extreme climatic conditions. Late frosts, prolonged droughts, early harvests... These phenomena put the vines to the test and require continuous adaptation.
Aware of these challenges, Bourgogne’s winegrowers are committing to a sustainable approach by rethinking how they cultivate their vines. Among the solutions being explored, evolving plant material is a priority.
How? Selecting the Most Resistant Plants (Adapted to Future Climates)
Bourgogne boasts great genetic diversity, preserved in its various grapevine gene banks. This unique viticultural heritage is a valuable resource for identifying plants best suited to tomorrow's climates.
Evolving Rootstocks
The choice of rootstock, the part of the vine that is anchored in the soil, plays a crucial role in resistance to climate conditions and diseases. By selecting more robust rootstocks better suited to future soil conditions and temperatures, winegrowers are proactively preparing for the vineyard's evolution.
Creating More Resistant Grape Varieties
Thanks to research, it is now possible to cross Bourgogne's iconic grape varieties with naturally disease-resistant ones, such as those resistant to powdery mildew and downy mildew. This advancement will help reduce the need for phytosanitary treatments while maintaining the typicity of Bourgogne wines (see this issue's headline).
Promoting Biodiversity
A healthy vineyard also relies on a balanced ecosystem. By promoting biodiversity—replanting hedgerows, preserving living soils, and encouraging auxiliary fauna—winegrowers strengthen the natural resilience of their vines while preserving Bourgogne’s natural heritage.
To learn more about these initiatives and discover how Bourgogne is shaping the future of its vineyards, visit the page A Committed Industry for the Future
Take a Closer Look at Bourgogne Wines
We invite the press and the trade to explore different aspects of Bourgogne Wines, starting with 3 dates in March (Vancouver, Chicago, and New York).
The BIVB is delighted to announce three exceptional professional tastings under the theme “Bourgogne Wines - Take a Closer Look.”
- Vancouver: March 3 at the Vancouver Club
- Chicago: March 5 at VenueSix10
- New York: March 6 at City Winery
Nearly 40 producers from Bourgogne will be on hand to showcase a fresh perspective on a selection of lesser-known appellations and hidden gems from the region.
On the agenda:
- Workshops and thematic tastings showcasing Crémant de Bourgogne, Bourgogne and Mâcon wines plus a geographical denomination, and a few Village appellations still under the radar.
- A thematic workshop dedicated to Chablis wines, designed around four scenes from the online game Unlock Chablis.
Take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to meet the winegrowers, taste their wines and explore the diversity of Bourgogne's terroirs and appellations. Register now for one of these professional tastings:
In 2024, the South Korean economy started showing signs of recovery. According to OECD forecasts, GDP growth is expected to reach 2.6% by the end of 2024, although political and social developments could impact projections for 2025.
Good news for Bourgogne wines: While the older population (over 43 years old) predominantly consumes beer, the younger generation is drinking more white wine, particularly those made from Chardonnay. This shift explains the significant rise in Bourgogne white wine exports in recent years: +28% in volume (11 months of 2024 compared to the average of the past 5 years).
White Wine Exports (cumulative 11 months, 2024)
In the first 11 months of 2024, Bourgogne white wines accounted for 55% of the export volume to South Korea, representing 45% of the revenue. This category has experienced a sharp increase: +27.2% in value compared to the same period in 2023.
Red and Rosé Wine Exports (cumulative 11 months, 2024)
Red wines, which have been relatively well-valued in 2024, make up 41% of export volumes (-3.3% compared to the first 11 months of 2023), contributing 54% of the revenue (+3.5% compared to the same period in 2023).
Bourgogne wines are regaining momentum in South Korea, driven by a significant increase in young wine consumers, particularly those favoring Chardonnay. There’s also been a strong growth in the Off-trade channel (+24.8% since 2019, representing 78% of sales), supported by a boom in the Premium/Super-Premium segments (+52% in volume).
At the beginning of the 2000s, the Australian market was quite small for Bourgogne wines, but it has steadily progressed over the past 20 years. It is currently the 14th largest export market by volume for Bourgogne wines.
While the adult population has increased (+2.7 million in the past 5 years), Australia is facing a decline in wine consumption in 2024 compared to 2019. However, although there are fewer regular wine drinkers, the population of knowledgeable individuals is growing. Among them, 42% are interested in Bourgogne wines (+7% in 2024 compared to 2022).
White Wine Exports (cumulative 11 months, 2024)
White wines account for 65% of export volumes to Australia, representing 54% of revenue (+3% in value compared to the first 11 months of 2023).
Red and Rosé Wine Exports (cumulative 11 months, 2024)
Relatively well-valued, red wines make up 26% of export volumes (-11.8% compared to the first 11 months of 2023), contributing 43% of the revenue from Bourgogne wines in Australia (+7.7% compared to the same period in 2023).
Bourgogne is benefiting from new consumption habits in Australia, where the Off-trade segment (accounting for 80-90% of sales) is redefining itself post-COVID.
Older consumers, who are increasingly discerning, are favoring high-end wines - Grand Cru AOCs have seen an average price increase of 3% between 2018 and 2023. At the same time, Generation Z and Millennials are driving sales of Régionale AOC wines for at-home consumption.
The Chablis vineyard, located between Paris and Beaune, is an integral part of Bourgogne. It comprises various appellations and classifications: Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru, and Chablis Grand Cru. These appellations highlight the diversity of terroirs in the region, each with its own unique characteristics.
With its accessibility and affordable price, Petit Chablis holds many surprises for both beginners and seasoned wine enthusiasts. It serves as a great introduction to the wines of this renowned region, while maintaining the quality standards that Chablis is famous for.
Not as “small” as its name suggests, Petit Chablis offers great value for money. Some estates, such as La Chablisienne with their cuvée 'Petit Chablis, Not So Small' or Domaine Venon with 'Petit Chablis, All the Grandeur,' remind us that these wines, made from Chardonnay, are far from 'small.' In fact, they sometimes come from plots close to Chablis Grand Cru!
The Petit Chablis appellation spans 20 villages along the Serein River, which runs through the vineyard. The Portlandian soils, which overlay the Kimmeridgian soil, encourage quick maturation and produce fresh, crisp wines with notes of lemon and white-fleshed fruits. Their acidity is softer compared to other Chablis, but remains perfectly balanced.
News from the vineyard: Saint-Vincent Tournante 2026: Maranges in the Spotlight
The Saint-Vincent Tournante, a not-to-be-missed celebration in Bourgogne, will return to the Maranges appellation in 2026. The announcement was made by Jean-François Curie, Grand Master of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, during the traditional ceremony to induct the senior winegrowers of Ladoix-Serrigny.
Located between the Côte de Beaune and the Côte Chalonnaise, the Maranges appellation includes the villages of Cheilly-lès-Maranges, Dezize-lès-Maranges, and Sampigny-lès-Maranges. The Maranges appellation has seven Climats classified as Premier Cru.
The Saint-Vincent Tournante embodies the values of sharing and conviviality within the Bourgogne vineyard. Every year, this festival brings together thousands of visitors to celebrate winegrowing traditions. The organizing committee is already at work preparing for this event, which will take place on January 24 and 25, 2026.
In the meantime, a retrospective of previous Saint-Vincent Tournante posters is on display at the Château du Clos de Vougeot until March 31, 2025. From 1971 to the present, the exhibition offers the chance to revisit the 53 official posters that have helped promote this major wine event in Bourgogne.
Winegrowers & Maisons: Albert Bichot: Between Terroir and Merroir
On January 18, two barrels of Bourgogne Côte d’Or "Secret de Famille" made from Chardonnay set sail from Saint-Malo aboard the cargo sailboat Grain de Sail II. After a two-month transatlantic journey with stops in New York and Pointe-à-Pitre, they will return to Bourgogne in March for a comparative tasting against barrels that remained in the cellar.
Committed to environmental responsibility, Albert Bichot has partnered with Grain de Sail since 2024 to promote low-carbon maritime transport. This year, the company is taking it a step further by studying the impact of maritime conditions—temperature fluctuations, humidity, sea air, and motion—on the evolution of its white wines. The experiment, conducted in partnership with Onafis, includes a sensor-equipped probe to monitor the wine’s transformations in real-time at sea.
Through this initiative, Albert Bichot is reviving a historic mode of transport while exploring the concept of merroir — the influence of marine elements on wine — aligning with its commitment to environmental preservation.
For more details, see our press release: Albert Bichot, Between Terroir and Merroir.
Bourgogne vs. Burgundy: to re-affirm their identity, the region and the producers are reverting back to the original French iteration of the name, Bourgogne.
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TRANSLATOR: SARAH JACKSON
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