Mine is the Cote d’Or in burgundy. It is my favorite for two reasons. Most importantly I find the wines from there more delicious than wines from anywhere else. Secondly (and not unimportant) the complexity of the terroir and the resulting complexity in appellation is fascinating to me. Lastly, I find the history of the region fascinating as well.
Hard to pick one (but not hard to eliminate Cote d’Or ) [OK, I’m too freaking impatient and cheap.]
Right now I’m probably most focused on the Sonoma Coast - the home of so many insane Historic Vineyards. There is a reason that these vineyards have persevered for so long. Aside from the depth, complexity and site expression of these vineyards, these vineyards provide the ability to taste the blends that existed back in the late 19th Century. A rare intellectual pleasure. Oh … there are some fine Pinots in this region as well.
Tied in a very close second place are the Santa Cruz Mountains and Anderson Valley in Mendocino. I think these are the initial areas that will challenge the Cote d’Or (not the ultimate Pinot provence IMO, just the first) in the eyes of global Pinot lovers.
Do you mean the “true” sonoma coast or the whole thing?
Pinot Noir grown in the Cote d’Or is a unique expression. Perhaps people will have subjective preferences for other region’s Pinot Noir but for those of us who like the distinctiveness of Cote d’Or there is no substitute.
I enjoy some California Pinot Noirs as well but they are like apples and oranges for me.
An old friend of mine, who is long on well aged Burgundy (DRC) has invited me to come up to Menlo to taste with him. I look forward to getting reacquainted - admittedly it’s been years since I’ve tasted the truly “good stuff.” Berry, I’m aware it is unique.
But girls, we need to show some imagination here. Picking Cote d’Or is too pat, too easy. Let’s stretch a bit!
I don’t know if it’s my favorite, but the Loire Valley in general is fun
Have great Sparklers
A great variety of white wines, Muscadet, Vouvray, Sancerre and even a few more.
Red wines have some of the best QPR’s in the world for my money, plus you have a variety of different types, and some unique blends uncommon in other areas
You also get great dessert wine and some pretty nice rose wines as well. They just have the greatest variety in my mind…
Interesting to see so many naming the same wine region, Cote d’Or.
Considering I am a Bordeaux/Rhone/Chinon guy, can someone recommend a couple of solid Cote d’Ors for me to step my feet into the mix? Funny that Burgundy is one of the very few wines regions of significance that I have not even experimented with, other than having enjoyed some bottles here and there.
Chambolle Musigny - I don’t know that the terroir truly creates wines that are more pure, light and expressive of vineyard-specific terroir than the other appellations or if this is due to vignerons minimizing their thumbprint. Whatever the reason, we love this particular expression of burgundy from multiple domaines, not just Mugnier (preemptive Tom-block). Oh yeah, and they are often more approachable younger than the other great appellations, or so we’ve found. Wish it was cheaper, sigh.
I also agree with Jono and Mike about the joys of Piemonte. Was terribly jealous while reading the 1996 retrospective thread.
How tightly do you need to draw the boundaries of the “region”?
For me I guess it would be Rioja for reds, just because I’m rarely disappointed and there are so many different styles these days and they’re good young and extremely old. But I love Cote Rotie, although it’s vastly smaller and more limited in style, and I love WA Ciel du Cheval and increasingly, Piedmont, although none of them have the breadth of Rioja.
For whites, it’s probably Tokaj for the sweet wines because it’s hard to imagine anything better, period. Those are the only wines I would drink in the afternoon for some reason.