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The La Burgondie Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé is an $11.99 Trader Joe’s import exclusive, maybe. I say maybe because this Bubbly is made by Bailly Lapierre and they have a Bubbly that is very similar under their label that can be found in the $16 to $20 range.
Bailly is the village in Burgundy, France where they make their wines and sourced the grapes from 430 different AOC vineyards in the region. Sparkling wine/bubbly producers in France seldom own their own vineyards – that goes for the Champagne region as well as Burgundy.
Trader Joe’s does not offer technical information concerning the La Burgondie Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé, but Bailly Lapierre does so I will use their tech details. This Bubbly is handpicked and used airbags to gently press the grapes and the Bailly Lapierre version uses 75% first-run juice and 25% second-run juice.
The initial pressing of the grapes (first run) is said to offer the best juice in the grapes. Many high-end wineries only use first-run juice for their wines and sell off the additional pressings or use it for a second line of wines. It is not said if Trader Joe’s version uses the same run of grapes.
This is a non-vintage Bubbly, so different vintages may have their own unique details. The second fermentation (the Traditional or Champagne Method) lasts an average of 16 months in a bottle. In the Champagne region, the minimum time is 18 months.
Pinot Noir and Gamay are the grapes used in the La Burgondie Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé again since this is a non-vintage wine that is blended to produce the same quality drinking experience year after year the percentage of grape will vary. In the past, it was 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Gamay.
So, we have a Rosé Bubbly from one of the great grape-growing regions in the world, produced by a producer that has been around since 1972 and sold at Trader Joe’s at a savings of $4 to $8. The alcohol content is 12%.
The La Burgondie Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé Tasting Notes
The color is Barbie Doll pink with a hint of amber. The nose is sour cherry, dried strawberry bits, yeasty bread, pink grapefruit, and roses. The La Burgondie Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé is balanced, crisp, fruit-forward, and refreshing.
This Bubbly tastes like strawberry, black cherry, blackberry, a quick jam of sharp spice, and juicy apple. The mid-palate adds a little of that salty/nutty on-lees thing, nectarine, and lime. The acidity is excellent and well-balanced, it will set your palate up for the next sip.
The Summary
- The La Burgondie Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé is a quality French Bubbly at a bargain price.
- I am often surprised at people who turn up their noses at Trader Joe’s wines. They see cheap prices and assume the worst.
- But with a little knowledge, you can grab some great wines at outstanding prices.
