Did you know that Burgundy has an official annual selection of wines?
It is called the Cave de Prestige, a long standing programme organised by the Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB). While reading about Burgundy recently, I came across this fascinating programme, which since 1971 has been selecting wines to represent Burgundy in the BIVB’s promotional, educational and training activities in France and around the world.
The Cave de Prestige is not a competition or a ranking of Burgundy’s “best” wines. Instead, it is an annual selection designed to showcase the diversity of Burgundy’s wines. Each selected wine is chosen because it faithfully represents the character and typicity of its appellation (AOC), serving as a flag-bearer for Burgundy for one year.
The selection process is rigorous. Winegrowers and producers are free to enter any wine currently on sale, regardless of vintage, provided it belongs to one of Burgundy’s appellations. The wines are tasted blind by expert panels comprising oenologists, technicians and wine professionals. Only those scoring 16 out of 20 or higher move on to the final Super Jury, which decides the annual Cave de Prestige selection.
The final selection is intended to reflect the full diversity of Burgundy. It represents the region’s 84 appellations, from Regional AOCs through Village, Premier Cru and Grand Cru wines.
Once selected, these wines become ambassadors for Burgundy for the ensuing year. They are used at official tastings, educational programmes, trade events and promotional activities organised by the BIVB. They also serve as reference wines at the École des Vins de Bourgogne, the BIVB’s wine school, and in its wine education programmes around the world.
An interesting aspect of the Cave de Prestige is that its medal is not displayed on bottles sold in retail stores. The BIVB uses the medal only on bottles used for its official activities. However, estates, producers and négociants whose wines are selected may feature the Cave de Prestige medal in their catalogues, websites and other marketing material.
For wine professionals, importers, educators and enthusiasts, the Cave de Prestige provides an excellent insight into the richness and diversity of Burgundy. Rather than identifying the region’s “best” wines, it offers an annual selection of wines chosen to represent the many appellations and styles that make Burgundy one of the world’s most respected wine regions.
The complete list of wines selected for the 2026 Cave de Prestige will be available soon on the official BIVB website for readers wishing to explore this year’s selection in detail.
(Cover pic: Sandrineaudegond.com)
Author’s Note
So this was something new which I learnt about Burgundy wines today. And now that I know about these wines, I shall certainly try some wines from this selection whenever I visit Burgundy next.
As a happy coincidence, just as I was completing this post, I came to know that two wines from Château Laborde, owned by one of my dear friends, Hervé Kerlann, have been selected for the Cave de Prestige 2026. It is wonderful to see this prestigious recognition bestowed on his wines. Congratulations to Hervé and his entire team.
Cheers !!
