Known first and foremost for its famed grands and premiers crus, the Côte d’Or—or “golden slope”—is home to some of my favorite wines in the world. But there’s plenty of gold in them Côte d’Or hills, including beyond the most hallowed sites. It’s there to be mined in the form of “humbler” Bourgogne rouges and blancs. For someone like me, who prizes something fun to sip on without second thoughts, Burgundy’s true gold isn’t weighed in prestige, but in pleasure. Why not gather some friends, pop some corks, and make the moment now? The pressure is off with Bourgogne rouge, and that seems to be precisely its purpose.
      Traditionally, throughout the Côte, domaines kept their Bourgogne rouge close to home to have on hand for everyday moments of conviviality and generosity, be it with family, employees, guests, the mailman, the taxman, or whoever. Its role wasn’t to be transcendent, just simply to be enjoyed.
      Absolute champions in the conviviality and generosity department, the Guillemots are such a natural match for this kind of cuvée, leaning into it as wholeheartedly as they do their incredible premiers crus. From a thin, long parcel of vines that covers ground in three appellations, Savigny-lès-Beaune “Les Prévaux”, Bourgogne Côte d’Or, and Chorey-les-Beaune, their rouge keeps only the Bourgogne Côte d’Or mention in accordance with French law, which requires labeling with the least common denominator when several appellations end up in the same tank. There is a big burst of fruit wrapped in a lovely, silken texture, fragrant, fresh, and fun, just as it should be. Guaranteed to match any moment of your choosing with brio and perfection.