This year's Burgundy en primeur tastings, hosted by the Bureau Interprofessionel des Vins de Bourgogne (BIVB), will emphasise the climats of the region as a theme.

Climats and "lieux-dits" are defined as the very essence of the construction of a Burgundy vineyard and its appellations, from its history and landscapes to economy and expertise, the Drinks Business reports.

Beginning in London on January 20th, the en primeur tastings will see 92 producers present over 500 wines, with classes and seminars themed around the climates and lieux-dits of Burgundy.

Much is likely to be made of the region's application to be designated as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site of Outstanding Universal Value.

The tastings will carry on over the next few months to Stockholm, New York, Chicago, Toronto, Montreal and finally Tokyo.

For those wishing to do a little Burgundy tasting now, the San Francisco Examiner recently recommended Domaine Jerome Chezeaux Nuits St Georges Premier Cru Rue de Chaux 2007, a mouthful in more ways than one.