Well it was always bound to happen. Our presenter, Nigel Green, the current Guild President, offered up a tasting billed as the “Battle of the Giants.” And as Sommeliers, we know that two of the real giants are wines from Bordeaux and those of Burgundy. So it was really the best of Bordeaux versus the best of Burgundy, or as close to the best as Nigel’s budget and cellar could provide.

The opening round was a Prodiguer Crémant De Bourgogne, a blend of Pinot Noir (40%), Chardonnay (30%), Gamay (20%), and Aligoté (10%). No contest!

Round two saw a Petit Chablis from Roland Lavantureux 2020, a 100% Chardonnay, of which 15% spends 10 months in oak and the remaining 85% in stainless steel pitted against a Rosé De Pinot Noir from Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey 2017, a 100% Pinot Noir, lightly pressed and fermented in French oak for nine months. Possibly a draw?

Interspersed with comments about the wines, Nigel contrasted the terroir of each region, commented that most Bordeaux wines are blends, whereas most Burgundy wines are a single grape variety, discussed the British relationship with Bordeaux a/k/a “claret,” as well as the 1855 classification of Bordeaux wines. Which was most impressive as Nigel began his presentation by admitting that he forgot to bring his notes!

At the end of the evening, a vote was taken, and frankly, it was almost a knockout. Burgundy by a large majority in preference to Bordeaux. So we have a winner, at least until the next battle.