Burgundy’s New Appellation on the Horizon

The Burgundy region may soon have a new subregional designation, as reports suggest the proposed "Bourgogne-Dijon" appellation is nearing approval by France's National Institute of Origin and Quality (INAO). This designation would cover wines made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in 23 municipalities within the metropolitan area of Dijon. These include towns such as Chenôve and Marsannay-la-Côte, which are already recognized under the Marsannay appellation.

The new designation would primarily involve 28 winegrowers operating in areas like Dijon, Daix, Plombières-les-Dijon, Talant, and Corcelles-les-Monts, located in the central and northwestern parts of the region. The total vineyard area expected to fall under this appellation is estimated to be between 50 and 100 hectares.

Jean-Michel Verpillot, mayor of Marsannay-la-Côte, is leading the initiative, which aims to highlight the potential of a terroir with a long history of winemaking. Verpillot emphasized that the project offers an opportunity to enhance the value of local wines, supported by the unique characteristics of the land and the expertise of its producers.

The "Bourgogne-Dijon" designation would not create a new appellation but would serve as a complementary designation within the Burgundy system. It would define a specific production area with a focus on quality and territorial identity. This strategy could help winegrowers boost the visibility of their products in a competitive market while appealing to consumers and investors seeking authenticity and provenance.

The process to establish this subregion has been lengthy, but proponents are optimistic about a favorable decision in the coming months. If approved, this new designation would not only strengthen Burgundy's reputation as one of the world's leading wine regions but also underscore the importance of preserving and promoting local viticultural heritage.