From: Burgundy, France
Varietals: Pinot Noir & Gamay
Tasting Notes: From the well-regarded Vignerons de Buxy, this humble Coteaux Bourguignons is a cheery, crushable drink of joy. Crunchy red fruit and mineral undertones call for a slight chill, while its vibrant, energetic core is like an invitation to the party. Cranberry, raspberry, and strawberry notes take the lead, but those lovely river rock mineral tones temper any tendency towards being “too fruity.”
Pairing: Picnic fare, weeknight favorites, holiday standards, main courses that revolve around chicken, turkey, pork, or mushrooms, as well as charcuterie and fromage boards. Some specific ideas include pairing this with Thanksgiving leftovers or, if you’re inspired but don’t have T-day leftovers, ordering Valhalla’s “Thanksgetting” sandwich. It features turkey, stuffing, turkey gravy, bacon, cranberry sauce, and rosemary aioli on a telera roll. YUM. Of course, jambon et beurre or pâté baguettes are excellent as a pairing, as is serving with chicken cutlets, katsu, or skillet chicken with mushrooms and caramelized onions. We’re sharing a snack-inspired, mushroom-centric recipe for our featured pairing below; enjoy!
Crispy Mushroom Focaccia
By Erin Jeanne McDowell
About. Vignerons de Buxy was founded in Cote Chalonnaise in 1931 by a community of 98 vine growers, who, in the face of the Great Depression, sought to pool resources and formed a cooperative. The grouping of the many little family plantings, all inspired by the same values of solidarity, sharing, and conviviality, resulted in a brand representing a human and social endeavor stretching back over 89 years.
Buxy allows small landholders an opportunity to continue land ownership (a precious right in France) while staying connected to their agrarian roots (a precious heritage in France). Half of the members own less than three acres of vineyards. Quality is maintained by having two managers visit eight members each day. Members are also incentivized to nurture quality grapes: they are not fully paid until their wines are sold, and they can earn more if their grapes are devoted to higher-end cuvees.
On 24 January 1977, the Cave de Saint Gengoux le National merged with the Cave des Vignerons de Buxy. From then on, the Cave des Vignerons de Buxy’s production area spanned both the Côte Chalonnaise and the Mâconnais regions. This meant that it could offer a range of wines from Santenay to Cluny, including the appellations of Montagny, Mercurey, Givry, Rully, Macon Village, and Mâcon Saint Gengoux. It also became Burgundy’s leading supplier for Bourgogne Aligoté.
Vignerons de Buxy was one of the first wineries in Burgundy to be certified sustainable by Vignerons en Developpement Durable, a laudable accomplishment given the breadth and diversity of land and growers (in total, Buxy encompasses over 2,700 acres).
Today, 120 family vineyards make up the co-operative of 2,700 total acres in Southern Burgundy.
