What is your favorite wine region (and why)?

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.

How about you?

Hard to pick one (but not hard to eliminate Cote d’Or [wink.gif] ) [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 can read between the lines. Yes, I’d be delighted to join you.

[highfive.gif] Good try! As a consolation, I will give you the vicarious thrill of my notes!

Seriously, I’ve known and loved Burgundy. It cost me greatly!

Earth…

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…

Out of spite I will ignore them

Whilst the Cote d’Or wines excite me, I find that Piemonte is my favourite reason.

Firstly, because it is similar to Burgundy in terms of terroir differences.

Secondly, because it is one of the only regions more beautiful than Burgundy.

Thirdly, because unlike Burgundy, the whole spectrum of terroir isn’t completely known… Hence it is exciting to taste and get ones head around.

In the end though, Burgundy makes me swoon! [cheers.gif]

Cote d’Or. Many reasons but one above all: the aromatics.

Sonoma Coast and CdP are my top two. Why ? My palate is happy when I drink the wines from these two regions.

That’s an awesome reason, Michael.

Mine would be Paso. Awesome wines, great people, tasty food, good fishing.

My favorite is the Cotes D’Or because the wines taste so good and Ray is there.

If you want to discuss beautiful wine regions, however, don’t sleep on Alsace.

Cote d’Or for drinking - most nuanced wines.
Piedmont for travelling - quiet, best food, great wines, passionate and professional people, relaxing.

This has to be the Cote d’Or for me. No other region is even near. Glad I don’t have to choose a subregion, because that would be much harder.

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.

Challenge accepted.

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.

Northern Rhone for me. I intend them to be my buying focus for 2012. (It is actually Cote 'd’Or, but that’s getting enough votes.)

For whites, it’s probably Tokaj for the sweet wines because it’s hard to imagine anything better, period.

+1 Best dessert wines in the world. Sorry, Sauternes.

Tokaj and some dry Furmints from szepsy, are absolutely divine!! :stuck_out_tongue: