N°31 July 2012

Bourgognes International starts its Plan Amplitude 2015 with the aim of becoming the worldwide example of Grands Vins made through sustainable .

“Bourgognes International”: information bulletin on Burgundy , intended for sellers. Issued five times per year.

Traceability and checks Wine is one of the most controlled products in the world, from production to the consumer including of course its transformation, marketing, distribution, communication and consumption.

Alongside the State services (fraud, customs, etc.), other structures now also have to carry out checks within the sector. This is the case for the Advocacy and Management Organisations (ODG) or inspection bodies, which ensure that each observes its specifications.

The net has been gradually closing in over time and is today very tight. This system ensures that those who try to escape the net are found out very quickly. From this point of view, the profession has an unambiguous position.

Its activities respect the regulatory texts, which cover its practices.

And for this reason, the sector has joined proceedings as a civil party in the Labouré-Roi case. The Burgundy Wine Board (BIVB) wants to find out more about the case to allow it to better carry out its mission of promoting and defending the reputation of Burgundy wines.

For the vast majority of Burgundy’s producers and merchants, integrity is an essential value. And they confirm this by the presence of their signature on their bottles.

Indicators sales +1.5% by volume (total for 8 months of campaign: August 2011 – March 2012 / August 2010 – March 2011)

French supermarket sales +1.9% by volume +3.9% by value (total for 12 months February 2012/February 2011)

Exports +7.8% by volume +26.2% by value (first quarter 2012 / 2011)

VOLUME VALUE World +7.8% +26,2% USA +8.6% +38.7% United Kingdom -1.5% +17.2% Belgium +5.2% -4.9% Japan +21.4% +28.5% Germany -4% +8.6% Netherlands +5.4% +11% Canada -6.1% -4.3% Denmark +20.8% +19.9% Sweden +41.8% +44.9% Switzerland +25.3% +78.2% Taiwan +25.5% +42.3% Singapore +29.6% -16% Australia +75.2% +83.2% Hong Kong +15.3% +86.5% China +18.7% +103.8% Ireland +10.4% +12%

Winery sales return to a decent level at the beginning of the campaign Over the first seven months of the 2011-2012 campaign (August-February), winery sales (bulk and bottles, all ) grew by 2% compared to the first seven months of the previous campaign.

Winery sales have therefore almost returned to the record level of the 2006 campaign, with 956, 000 hl leaving the storehouse.

This performance is predominantly down to Crémant de Bourgogne, with some 120,000 hl leaving the storehouse after just seven months of the campaign. The low availability for this appellation during the previous two campaigns seems to have boosted demand.

Red wine sales also seem to be up compared to the last three campaigns (+2.6% compared to 2010), under the impact of the Regional and Village AOCs from the Côte de Nuits. However, they have not returned to the level of the previous campaigns.

The volume of white wines leaving the stores has fallen slightly over one year (-0.6%), but remains relatively high, sustained by the Mâconnais (Regional and Village) and the Village of the Côte de and the Côte de Nuits. The wines from the Côte Chalonnaise and the appellations 1er and Chablis Grand cru are the most affected by the decline in this colour.

EXPORT - Sales of Burgundy wine continue to grow in 2012 On the export markets, 2012 began under the same good auspices as 2011 for Burgundy wines, with an excellent first quarter.

Despite the difficult economic environment, the year 2011 allowed Burgundy to continue the recovery of its exports, particularly in terms of revenues (+16.5% by value compared to 2010). It has therefore been able to cancel out some of the losses recorded during the crisis (2008/2009).

Exports during the first quarter of 2012 are still up 8% by volume compared to the same period in 2011, with 19.4 million bottles (i.e. 1.4 additional units).

Value is growing even further, with sales growing 26% by value.

Sales of white wines (+5% by volume over one year) continue to grow, just like red wines (+6%). The large majority of Burgundy’s markets are heading upwards, but the strong increase in value is predominantly attributable to the US, Swiss and Chinese/Hong Kong markets (where revenues have doubled again in three months).

Although the UK has grown in terms of revenues (but not by volume: -1.5%), it has been overtaken in these few months by the USA, at the top of Burgundy's list, and has been caught up by Japan.

Internet: the Burgundy wines website available on mobile phones Take your encyclopaedia of Burgundy wines with you wherever you go, without breaking your back! The www.burgundy-wines.fr website is now available in a mobile version. Make sure you take a look before the holidays.

Since the beginning of May, the Burgundy Wine Board (BIVB) has provided a mobile version of its information website.

Extremely practical when you want to find the name of a producer open to the public, information on an appellation, information on food and wine pairing, etc.

It is a must-have for stays or just stopovers on your way to your holidays.

By typing www.burgundy-wines.fr into your telephone, you will automatically be directed to this version (French/English).

Internet: spotlight on the Climats of the Burgundy For those who know their appellations like the back of their hand or for those who want to understand exactly what the Climats are, that we hear so much about in Burgundy, new applications on the Burgundy wines website will allow them to learn more.

In the section “At the heart of the appellations” of the site www.vins-bourgogne.fr, users can now enter the name of a Climat, or a lieu-dit, in a search engine. A page will appear dedicated to the appellation to which it is linked, illustrated by a 360° view of the vineyard. The appellation sheet presents the character of the wines, advice from wine-waiters on food and wine pairing and a lot of other information (surface area, production, history, etc.).

A particularly instructive innovation is the map (signed by Jean-Charles Servant and Sylvain Pitiot) allowing users to visualise the situation of the Climat in question: Precise boundaries, contours, position in the hierarchy, etc.

Sound files help users pronounce the name of the appellation, which is essential given the subtleties of Burgundy pronunciation (for example, check Fixin, Auxey-Duresses, , etc.) The last part of the page provides the list and contact details of the producers of the appellation.

Shop: for the ladies, a "Burgundy” bracelet Fine, elegant and subtle, Burgundy wines are popular with women. And they can now wear a bracelet showing their favourite wines. Its red leather strap and its 100% silk tie with an orange motif make it a very refined product.

This bracelet combines ethics and aesthetics as it is entirely French made. Its high-quality case is environmentally friendly.

So gentlemen, don’t wait any longer: treat the lady in your life to this pretty gift. Show her that you too have taste!

The bracelet is available for 26.30 euros (incl.tax) from the Burgundy wine shop on line (www.burgundy-wines.fr).

USA: the Society of Wine Educators honours Burgundy The Society of Wine Educators* puts Burgundy at centre stage. In partnership with the Burgundy Wine Board (BIVB), it will organise a seminar on Burgundy wines in San Mateo, California, on 25 July.

In particular, this event will focus on Burgundy’s “Climats” and “lieux-dits”, with a tasting of eight wines.

It will be led by Shelby Ledgerwood, official Burgundy wines instructor.

Around sixty members of the trade are expected to attend. *Founded in 1974, the Society of Wine Educators is a non-profit organisation whose mission is to advance wine education through professional development and certification. Its programmes confer certifications to professionals and individuals. The Society of Wine Educators is made up of 350 Certified Wine Educators.

The Burgundy wine sector focuses on sustainable development As part of the implementation of its “Bourgognes Amplitude 2015” plan, the Burgundy Wine Board (BIVB) launched its sustainable development assessment at the end of 2011. At the end of March, the BIVB presented the results of this work, encouraging some sixty participants and partners of the sector to implement action plans.

The assessment carried out from October 2011 to March 2012 has allowed the sector to ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of the Burgundy vineyard. Many examples already illustrate its dynamism in this field: a reduction in phytosanitary treatments was recorded over recent years, 85% of effluents from the cellars are now treated. 14 collective washing areas are in place and just as many are being studied (figures from the chambers of agriculture). Not forgetting the innumerable individual initiatives conducted by the estates, groups of estates or caves cooperative.

From this assessment and from studying various other , future action plans are already coming together.

The BIVB will draw up an action plan which will be put to a vote during its next General Meeting (4 July), so that it can be applied as quickly as possible.

The caves cooperative of Burgundy and launch the “Coteaux Bourguignons” appellation On 17 May 2012, 27 caves cooperative of the burgundy and Beaujolais unveiled their “Coteaux Bourguignons”, a new appellation which links Burgundy and Beaujolais.

The new appellation is now available for tasting in 27 caves cooperative in greater Burgundy. Already available for red wines, the AOC Coteaux Bourguignons can also be produced for white and rosé wines.

A presentation film on the appellation can be seen on YouTube.

The Fédération des Caves Coopératives Bourgogne-Jura (FCCBJ) brings together the caves cooperative of greater Burgundy and the cheese industry of the Jura.

The 2012 : the vines back on track The 2012 vintage is already under surveillance. The Burgundy Wine Board's Vintage Observatory began to closely monitor the vines at the time of regrowth of vegetation, and will continue to do so until the . In particular, it monitors the vegetative cycle and the maturity of the grapes.

After fast growth of the vine in March, the cool temperatures in April and early May put the brakes on the vines. The development of the vine is at around the same stage as in the years 2008 and 2010.

There were also occasional hailstorms, particularly in the Chablis region on 20 May. Exceptionally, there was frost in , Côte d’Or and Saône-et-Loire in the night of 16 to 17 May, with varying levels of damage to the progress of the vines depending on location.

Flowering began at the end of May, thanks to gradually increasing temperatures. But a return of cooler conditions slowed it down. Although flowering is complete for in some early sectors, there are still some plots, particularly in and/or later sectors, which still need a little more time for flowering to come to an end.

Maranges: the unveiled Les Maranges, an appellation to the south of the Côte de Beaune, is completing its study on the soils and sub soils. The summary of this work will be officially unveiled on 27 June. In May 1989, when the appellation was launched, Charles Quittanson (specialist at the time in Burgundy AOCs) said: “Maranges, a similar to the one in the Côtes de Nuits, misplaced in Côte de Beaune.” This study aims to check this assertion and, more generally, to deepen knowledge of each Climat to better respect their characteristics. The Maranges appellation covers 180 hectares, 84 of which are Premier Cru. French geologist Françoise Vannier-Petit conducted the research.

The information is already available on the appellation’s website www.maranges.net, which has recently been created (under Situation After Saint-Véran, Givry, Mercurey, Gevrey-Chambertin, etc. this new initiative confirms the enthusiasm of the Burgundy winegrowers for improved knowledge of their Terroirs.

Biodivine: Irancy, the Corton Hill and Pouilly-Fuisse at the cutting edge of biodiversity Three Burgundy areas are resolutely committed to the knowledge and promotion of biodiversity. They are participating in the project “Life + Biodivine” which includes seven demonstration sites in Spain, Portugal and . BioDiVine is supported by the Institut Francais de la Vigne et du Vin (IFV) and benefits from the backing of European Life+ funds for ecology.

This project aims to find out more about and improve biodiversity in the vineyard. Given the quality of its landscapes and the importance of preserving them, Burgundy, via the Burgundy Wine Board (BIVB) has chosen to back this project for experimentation and demonstration. Its implementation in Burgundy is accompanied by Vitinnov, which ensures the technical coordination on three French sites.

To respect the diversity of the landscapes, it was decided to share the project across three sites from north to south of the region (Irancy, Corton and Pouilly-Fuissé). The priorities include: contributing to the conservation of nature, improving the quality of the environment (limiting erosion and runoff, the transfer of phytosanitary products, etc.), promoting aesthetics and heritage. Several measures have been implemented: planting hedges, inter-row cover planting and for plots which are resting, restoration of dry-stone walls, measures for the insect population, flora and fauna, etc.

This initiative falls under the “Bourgognes Amplitude 2015” plan, the objective of which is to make Burgundy the reference vineyard globally in terms of Terroir wines produced from sustainable wine-growing.

Burgundy Opportunities Since each Burgundy wine have their own flavours and texture, they can all be matched in their own unique way. Here are a few suggestions for perfect matches.

With shellfish, mussels, oysters or even cockles, go for a young, dry that is smooth, fresh and elegant such as Chablis, Mâcon-Villages, Pouilly-Fuissé, Pouilly-Loché, Pouilly-Vinzelles or Saint-Véran. To accompany grilled red meats, choose light red wines in their youth, because they are fresh and fruity while still being elegant. The choice is large: Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits, Bourgogne Epineuil, Marsannay, Fixin, Côtes de Nuits-villages, Ladoix, Chorey, Pernand-Vergelesses, Santenay, Maranges, etc.

To end your meal on a sweet note with a dessert or fruit, try a Crémant de Bourgogne.

For French speakers, visit Burgundy Wine’s food and wine pairing site: www.marionsles.vins-bourgogne.fr

Focus on a wine: Petit Chablis On both sides of the valley, the appellation Petit Chablis was established in 1944. It forms one of the crowns of Chablis, Produced using Chardonnay across the range, the Petit Chablis has nothing “small” about it in reality.

With its clear, shiny colour, sometimes tinted with green, this white wine has aromas of white flowers (hawthorn, acacia), mixed with notes of citrus fruits (lemon, grapefruit) on a mineral background (flint). It sometimes includes peach or white fruits. Its palate is lively and light, with balanced acidity. It can be enjoyed young, but is ideal after two years.

The briny aromas of Petit Chablis are well suited to oysters, fish tartars and prawns – raw, grilled or served in a sauce. It can also be served with whitebait, grilled sardines and various other fish dishes. But it is also its great liveliness and energy which makes it so attractive. It is also an excellent match for tripe and snails, both of which come from its home region. Goat’s cheese is also a good match for the cheeky character of Petit Chablis, not forgetting semi-firm or firm cheeses such as Gouda and gruyere. Its fresh character means that it can be enjoyed with summer salads and aperitifs, such as gougères.

There are 18 villages of production. About 7 million bottles are produced each year from an area of about 884 hectares.

Around 284 domaines produce the appellation Petit Chablis. The appellation is 39% marketed by the wine estates and 61% by Burgundy merchants.

Click here to see the Petit Chablis wine sheet

The Maison Simonnet-Febvre is growing The Maison Simonnet-Febvre has begun a major extension of its storehouse for a total sum of 1.5 million euros. The useable floor space will be tripled, growing to 3,000m2. This extension of the Chitry vat room will allow the Maison to significantly increase its vinification (5,000 hl), maturing and storage capacities.

Particular focus is given to organising a harvest receiving area which will considerably increase the input/supply contracts of grapes for the Chablis Premier Cru and Grand Cru appellations.

Simmonet-Febvre now produces and sells some 900,000 bottles with revenues of 3.5 million euros, principally from Chablis, Crémant de Bourgogne and Saint-Bris. This represents considerable growth as on its takeover in 2003 by Maison Louis Latour, Simmonet-Febvre produced and sold only 150,000 bottles.

Marchand-Tawse takes over the Domaine Maume Moray Tawse, a Toronto-based financier has taken over operation of five hectares at Domaine Maume, in Gevrey-Chambertin. This estate includes Mazis-Chambertin and Charmes-Chambertin Grand Crus but also Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Crus.

The wines will continue to be sold under the name Domaine Maume. With this acquisition, the Domaine Tawse now covers some 8 hectares in Burgundy (over 100 ha in Ontario and 4 in Argentina). It will be converted to organic and -growing from 2012.

Pascal Marchand, with whom Moray Tawse founded the Maison Marchand Tawse, is in charge of operations. All of the merchants business will account for some 120,000 bottles for the 2011 vintage.

The Château de Puligny taken over by Domaine de Montille The Château de Puligny has recently been taken over by the de Montille family. This estate is home to a large range of white wines from the Côte de Beaune (, Puligny Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, etc.), including some of the most prestigious Premier and Grand Crus (Chevalier-Montrachet, Puligny Montrachet, 1er cru, Folatières, Meursault 1er Cru, Perrières). Owned by the banking group BPCE, Château de Puligny has been managed by Etienne de Montille since 2002. Minority shareholders took part in the transaction. “These two producers (Château de Puligny and Domaine de Montille) had already developed synergies,” explains Etienne de Montille. Around 5 hectares will be resold. These two estates will eventually cover 35 hectares, 20 of which account for Premier and Grand Crus. The vines grown will have organic certification.

The Domaine “Clos Du Moulin Aux Moines” expands to Pernand-Vergelesses At the beginning of February 2012, the Domaine based in Auxey-Duresses acquired a vine in Pernand-Vergelesses in the Climats Les Champs et Combottes.

The Chardonnay plot covers 1.42 hectares all in one piece. Forty-year old vines will be grown, as will the rest of the estate, using organic and biodynamic farming methods.

The Domaine du Clos du Moulin aux Moines will thereby increase from 8 to 9.5 hectares.

Press review In Vino Veritas (Belgium): excellent review for Chablis Grand Crus 2010 (April-May 2012). Gérard Devos provides an overview of the appellation Chablis Grand Cru 2010. “The result of the maturities offers good potential, excellent balance and well-presented but pleasant acidity, generating a nice freshness.” The journalist then presents his tasting notes.

Burghound - Issue 46 has recently been published. Allen Meadows devotes 100 pages to the red Côte Beaune appellations, vintages 2009 and 2010.

The Burgundy odyssey: advice for a wine tourism trip around Chablis The wine road, discovering the Terroir and the vineyards, visiting cellars, tasting wines, the eco-museum and permanent exhibitions, cookery and lessons, flower-arranging workshops...The people of Chablis are constantly striving to share their region with you, so that you can discover its great treasures.

Before visiting the village and its heritage, make sure you visit the Aire des Clos: it offers a splendid view over the village and the vineyard. Then discover the village of Chablis and all it has to offer: - the église collégiale - the Obédiencerie - the église Saint-Pierre de Chablis - Hôtel-Dieu - the Petit Pontigny…as well as the many ancient half-timbered houses.

After your visit, enjoy the fresh air by choosing from among seven hiking trails and the Chablis Grands Crus circuit, which crosses the seven Climats of the appellation. Walks last between 1 hour and 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on the route chosen.

And don’t leave the region without a detour via the Basilique de Vézelay (45 minutes from Chablis), a Unesco World Heritage site.

Accommodation: stay with the wine-growers who are members of the “De Vignes en Caves” visitors’ charter! Here are some guest houses and gîtes near Chablis:

Caveau Brocard 1 place Charles de Gaulle 89800 CHABLIS www.brocard.fr [email protected]

Domaine du Château de Béru 32 Grande Rue 89700 BERU www.chateaudeberu.com Tel: 03 86 75 90 43 [email protected]

Domaine Defaix Daniel-Etienne 14 rue Auxerroise BP 50 89800 CHABLIS www.chablisdefaix.com Contact: GIVAUDIN Cécile Tel: 03 86 42 14 44 [email protected]

Les Chambres d'hôte du Faubourg Saint-Pierre 17, Rue Jules Rathier 89800 Chablis Tel: 03 86 42 83 90 Mobile: 06 71 74 48 44

For more information, see our wine tourism section:

Find the map of the appellation on the site www.burgundy-wines.fr

Interview – Kris Van de Sompel, Official Instructor of Burgundy Wines in Belgium Can you tell us about your job?

I head up the company VDS Wine Consult. I’m an oenologist, master- and wine advisor. I distil my knowledge to a very wide audience, I carry out training courses and animate and organise various events related to wine and gastronomy.

What image do you have of Burgundy wines?

They are unique wines, with the potential of great quality and the possibility to move those who taste them.

What proportion of your activity do Burgundy wines represent?

It represents a relatively large proportion. Burgundy is still often a maze for the average consumer. It is one of the most requested regions for training courses and attracts the largest number of people during events.

How do you think Burgundy wines will develop on the Belgian market?

I can see two developments taking shape.

First of all, the demand for white wines at an average price, with a strong interest for white wines from the Mâconnais and little-known white wine appellations.

Secondly, well-informed consumers who visit Burgundy buy wines in the region (it's not very far from home) and look for these wines in supermarkets.

Burgundy’s diversity corresponds to the diversity of consumers and their individual tastes.

Burgundy wines will nevertheless remain wines for special occasions, but the focus is shifting from red to white.

What are the specific characteristics of the two markets (Flanders and Wallonia) in terms of wines in general and Burgundy wines in particular?

Flanders has a greater purchasing power, but is more diversified in its choice of wines. Knowledge of Burgundy wines is greater in Wallonia but here, consumption is more oriented towards the regional appellations. In Flanders, consumption of Burgundy wines tends to focus on a few leading appellations, but there is real interest in discovering other appellations.

What do you think is the best way of approaching Flanders and Wallonia in terms of training content? Alongside in-depth training for importers, retailers and other professionals, to erase the former image of Burgundy we need to offer a short training course/initiation or an event oriented towards younger consumers. This will put them in contact with the Burgundy spirit and give them some basic information on Burgundy wines.

You were invited to Burgundy to take an accreditation course in Burgundy wines in 2010. What made you accept this invitation?

This training course did not only allow me to increase my knowledge, but also to provide my clients with more possibilities.

It allowed me to open up new avenues and to broaden my offering of training courses and events for clients.

What have you learned, discovered or found out more about during this course?

I have gained insight into the different appellations, Climats, terroirs, soils...which are unique in the world.

What is your perception of Burgundy wines since this training course?

I see them as a unique product, the result of hundreds of years' experience, with their own place at the top of the world of wine.

What will you gain by being accredited an official instructor of Burgundy wines? What added value will it bring you?

The prestige of Burgundy, through accreditation, greatly increases an instructor’s credibility.

How do you use this accreditation in your work?

I use it a lot as I give a large number of training courses on Burgundy wines and I include Burgundy wines in gastronomic events.

Quick questions

- If Burgundy were a man or woman, who would it be? Aretha Franklin

- If you were to leave for a desert island, which Burgundy wine would you take with you? Because it’s usually very hot on desert islands: a Pouilly-Fuissé, with its minerality and freshness.

- Where would you like to live in Burgundy? In Saint-Romain

- What does Burgundy make you think of? Quality of life

- If Burgundy were a dish, what would it be? Scrambled eggs with truffles

- If Burgundy were a colour, what would it be? Golden yellow

So that we can better meet your needs, please don't hesitate to send us your comments or remarks, at this address: [email protected]