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Say bonjour to the fabulous French wines you’ll sip on this season and beyond
Endlessly versatile and ideal for modern grazing, Bourgogne wines are the perfect pairing for easy, snack-first entertaining
From long lunches with friends to laid-back evenings at home, sometimes eating is less about formal courses and more about relaxed, elevated snacking shared with loved ones – think loaded crisps piled high with toppings, tinned fish served on toast, buttery toasties and generous bowls of ‘picky bits’ passed around the table.
With this more informal way of entertaining, Bourgogne wines – the new name for the great wines of Burgundy – feel right at home. The wines from eastern France are known for their elegance, freshness and food-friendly precision. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir lead the way with styles that are vibrant, expressive and made for the table.
Below, you’ll find four key bottles matched with a modern ‘snack-led’ way of eating. Each one is super-simple and designed for sharing.
Loaded and lovely
Crémant de Bourgogne, Cave de Lugny – £17 from Waitrose
Few things feel more of-the-moment than a bowl of loaded crisps topped with crème fraîche, chopped chives, smoked paprika and a snowfall of finely grated cheese. It’s nostalgic, but with a playful, grown-up edge.
If you’re looking for a tipple that slips seamlessly into the mix, a Crémant de Bourgogne brings just the right sense of occasion. Gently sparkling, crisp and refined, it lifts the salt and richness of the crisps while keeping everything bright and refreshing. A natural fit for easy grazing that still feels a little celebratory.
The ultimate toast topper
Bourgogne Côte d’Or, White 2023, Domaine Pernot-Belicard – £28 from Laithwaites
Tinned fish on toast has quietly become a modern staple. After all, what could be more delicious than sardines or mackerel topped on warm, buttered sourdough and finished with lemon, olive oil and plenty of black pepper? It’s simple, punchy and full of flavour.
A Bourgogne Côte d’Or Chardonnay made from Chardonnay works beautifully here. Crisp and focused, with just enough texture to match the oiliness of the fish, it brings freshness and lift without overwhelming the dish.
A ‘picky bits’ spread
Bourgogne Côte d’Or, Red 2023, Domaine de la Choupette – £30 from Lea & Sandeman
A selection of picky bits – charcuterie, marinated vegetables, dips, cheeses and whatever else fills the board – is the ultimate low-effort, high-impact way to entertain. It’s informal, generous and endlessly customisable.
And when it comes to wine that matches the mood, you can’t go wrong with a light, lively Bourgogne Côte d'Or made from Pinot Noir. With soft tannins and bright red fruit, it works across salty, savoury flavours and brings just enough structure to tie everything together.
Pure and simple snacking
Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune, White 2021, Maison Roche de Bellene – £29 from Tanners
Sometimes the simplest snacks are the most satisfying: a bowl of olives, cornichons, pickled onions and other briny bites, left to linger alongside a good bottle.
This white Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune will elevate even the simplest spreads. Crisp, mineral and refreshing, it cuts through salt and acidity while resetting the palate between each bite.