Burgundy and its wines

The Burgundy (Bourgogne, in French) is one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world, located in the centre-east of France. Known for its refined, elegant wines, it is the undisputed home of two of the noblest grape varieties in international viticulture: Pinot Noir for the reds and the Chardonnay for the whites.

The key concept of Burgundy is the "terroir", which identifies the unique influence of soil, climate and tradition on wine production. The region is divided into five main wine areas: Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais, each with distinctive characteristics that influence the style of the wines produced.

What is the Burgundy wine district?

Burgundy is one of the most fragmented wine regions in the world, with more than 100 AOC appellations and a hierarchical system that divides the wines into four levels:

1. Grand Cru – The best parcels, accounting for less than 2% of production.
2. Premier Cru – Very high quality vineyards, though slightly below the Grand Crus.
3. Village – Wines produced in specific municipalities with unique characteristics.
4. Bourgogne AOC – Regional wines covering the whole of Burgundy.

The Great Wine Regions of Burgundy

1. Chablis

• Main grape variety: Chardonnay.
• Style: Mineral, fresh white wines, with marked flinty notes.
• Appellations: Chablis Grand Cru, Chablis Premier Cru, Chablis AOC, Petit Chablis.

2. Côte de Nuits

• Main grape variety: Pinot Noir.
• Style: Elegant, structured reds, with great ageing capacity.
• Famous appellations: Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Vosne-Romanée, Clos de Vougeot.

3. Côte de Beaune

• Main grape varieties: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
• Style: Great whites and refined reds, with a perfect balance between structure and acidity.
• Famous appellations: Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, Corton-Charlemagne.

4. Côte Chalonnaise

• Main grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Aligoté.
• Style: Wines of excellent quality, more affordable than those of the Côte d’Or.
• Appellations: Rully, Mercurey, Givry, Montagny.

5. Mâconnais

• Main grape variety: Chardonnay.
• Style: Fruity, approachable whites, ideal for everyday drinking.
• Appellations: Pouilly-Fuissé, Mâcon-Villages, Saint-Véran.

Characteristics of Burgundy Wines

Colour

• Reds: Ruby red with garnet nuances in the aged wines.
• Whites: Bright straw yellow with golden highlights.

Aromas

• Fruity: Cherry, strawberry and raspberry in the reds; citrus and green apple in the whites.
• Floral: Rose and violet in the reds; white flowers in the whites.
• Mineral and Spicy: Notes of flint in the Chablis wines; vanilla and butter in the whites aged in wood.

Palate

• Elegant and Complex: The Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines offer depth and length.
• Fresh and Mineral: In the whites of Chablis and the Mâconnais.
• Structured and Harmonious: In the great reds of the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune.

Typical Grape Varieties of Burgundy

Black Grape Varieties

• Pinot Noir: The grape variety that symbolises Burgundy, able to express the terroir in extraordinary fashion.

White Grape Varieties

• Chardonnay: From mineral Chablis to the opulent wines of the Côte de Beaune.
• Aligoté: A fresh, light white, often used for Kir.

Why Choose a Wine from Burgundy?

A wine from the Burgundy is a unique sensory experience, a byword for refinement and longevity. Perfect for pairings with gourmet dishes, white meat, fish and French cheeses, the wines of this region are among the most sought-after and appreciated in the world.