Jaffelin 2011 Coteaux Bourguignons Pinot Noir, France ($24.99, #27169)

Coteaux Bourguignons is the new AOC on the Burgundy block, though it doesn’t exactly represent novel territory. In fact the recently-christened appellation replaces AOC Bourgogne Grand Ordinaire; but there’s no doubt that “Burgundian Hills” better rolls off the tongue. This regional-level appellation can be applied by producers throughout Burgundy and suitably focuses on the region’s typical grapes of Pinot Noir, Gamay, Chardonnay, and Aligoté. Jaffelin’s first Coteaux Bourguignons offering on our shelves is a fresh, leaner-style Pinot Noir featuring great berry fruit, floral aromas, and nice underlying spice. In short, it cranks the drinkable factor way past 10!

Bottom line: B “Pair with braised short ribs.”