Burgundy wines

Visit Burgundy wines are world-renowned for their exceptional quality, diversity and aromatic richness. Produced in one of the world's most prestigious wine-growing regions, these wines reflect Burgundy's unique terroir. This comprehensive guide reveals the secrets of these wines, from appellations to grands crus, including gastronomic traditions. the country.

To discover other wines in France, read our full article here.

Burgundy Wines: A Millennial Heritage

Burgundy, with its temperate climate and varied soils, offers ideal conditions for viticulture. The region is subdivided into several sub-regions, each with its own geological and climatic characteristics that influence the wines produced.

Find out more about the Burgundy region, read our detailed article here.

Terroirs and Appellations in Burgundy

Burgundy is divided into five major wine-growing sub-regions:

1. Chablis
2. Côte de Nuits
3. Côte de Beaune
4. Côte Chalonnaise
5. Mâconnais

Each sub-region is itself made up of different appellations, classified into four levels:

Regional appellations

They cover the whole of Burgundy, and vast areas. They include

• Burgundy: A versatile appellation, producing red, white and rosé wines.
  Bourgogne Aligoté: A dry, lively white wine, ideal as an aperitif.
  Bourgogne Passe-tout-grains: A light, fruity red wine.
  Crémant de Bourgogne: A sparkling wine produced using the traditional method.

Appellations de Pays

They are more specific and designate wines from a single village or small region. A distinction is made between :

• The Côte de Nuits: Dominated by Pinot Noir, it produces powerful, complex red wines. (Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée, Chambolle-Musigny...)
• The Côte de Beaune: Contains both red and white wines. Chardonnay produces elegant, complex white wines. (Pommard, Volnay, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet...)
• The Côte Chalonnaise: Offers a good balance between red and white wines (Rully, Mercurey, Givry...).
• Mâconnais: Known for its fruity, accessible white wines. (Pouilly-Fuissé, Saint-Véran...)
• Le Chablisien: Specializing in Chardonnay-based dry white wines ranging from mineral to fruity (Chablis, Petit-Chablis...).

Village appellations

They correspond to specific communes, such as Gevrey-Chambertin or Meursault.

• Premiers Crus : parcels of vineyards with recognized qualities, such as Pommard Premier Cru.
• Grands Crus The most prestigious wines, such as Romanée-Conti or Montrachet.

To sum up, here is a list of the main appellations in Burgundy

Here is a non-exhaustive list of the main appellations in Burgundy:

• Chablis (Chablis, Petit Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru, Chablis Grand Cru)
• Côte de Nuits (Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Vosne-Romanée)
• Côte de Beaune (Pommard, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet)
• Côte Chalonnaise (Mercurey, Givry, Rully)
• Mâconnais (Pouilly-Fuissé, Saint-Véran, Mâcon)

The Hospices de Beaune - an exception in France's winegrowing landscape: read our detailed article here

Les Climats de Bourgogne: A Unique World Heritage Site

Visit Burgundy Climats are much more than just a wine appellation. They represent a parcel-based system that is unique in the world, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015.

What is a Climate?

A Climate in Burgundy refers to a parcel of vines that has been precisely delimited and named, often for centuries. Each Climat has unique geological, hydrometric and exposure characteristics that directly influence the quality and character of the wine produced.

• A specific terroir: Each Climat has its own soil, sun exposure and microclimate, giving the wine a unique taste identity.
• A history stretching back thousands of years: The Climats are the fruit of a long history of viticulture, in which man has adapted to the specific characteristics of each plot.
• Ancestral know-how: Burgundy's winegrowers pass on their know-how from generation to generation, preserving the distinctive character of each Climat.

Why are Climats so important?

• • A cultural heritage: The Climats are a living testimony to Burgundy's history and culture.
  • A guarantee of quality: Climats are synonymous with exceptional wines from exceptional terroirs.
  • A model of sustainable viticulture: Viticulture in Burgundy is based on respect for the environment and biodiversity.

How many climats are there in Burgundy?

It is generally estimated that there are several thousand Climats in Burgundy. The figures most often quoted range from between 1,200 and 1,800.

Climats and Grands Crus

All of Burgundy's Grands Crus come from Climats. However, not all Climats are Grands Crus. Grands Crus represent the elite of Climats, those that produce the most prestigious and sought-after wines.

Visit the Climats de Bourgogne

The Climats de Bourgogne region can be explored on numerous itineraries. You can :

• Visit wineries: Taste the wines and meet the winemakers.
• Hiking: Admire the vineyard landscapes and discover the different Climats.
• Participate in events: Like wine festivals and grape harvests.

Burgundy Wines: Types and Characteristics

Red Wines

Burgundy red wines are mainly made from the grape variety Pinot Noir. This variety produces elegant wines with red fruit aromas and fine tannins. The red wines of the Côte de Nuits are among the most renowned, with crus such as Romanée-Conti and Chambertin.

White Wines

Burgundy white wines are produced from the grape variety Chardonnay. They are distinguished by their great diversity, ranging from wines dry and mineral wines of Chablis to the richer and soft of the Côte de Beaune. Among the most famous are Montrachet and the Meursault.

Rosé Wines

Although fewer in number, rosé wines are also produced in Burgundy. These wines, called rosés or sometimes grayare generally fresh and light, perfect for summer meals.

Exceptional Wines and Grands Crus of Burgundy

Burgundy boasts 33 Grands Crus, whose wines are among the most expensive and sought-after in the world. Here are some of the most prestigious:

• Romanée-Conti A mythical red wine produced in very small quantities.
• Montrachet An exceptional white wine, rich and complex.
• Clos de Vougeot A red Grand Cru much appreciated for its power and depth.

The 33 Grands Crus of Burgundy

Burgundy's Grands Crus represent the pinnacle of the region's wine hierarchy. Produced from exceptional plots of land, these wines offer unrivalled complexity and finesse.

Côte de Nuits

• Chambertin A powerful, complex wine, often described as the "king of wines".
  
   
• Chambertin-Clos de Bèze A structured, elegant wine with notes of red fruit and spices.
• Chambolle-Musigny A wine of great finesse, with aromas of flowers and red fruit.
  
   
• Clos de la Roche A powerful, structured wine with silky tannins.
• Clos Saint Denis A concentrated, complex wine with notes of black fruits and spices.
• Échezeaux An elegant, complex wine with aromas of red fruits and spices.
• Grands-Échezeaux A powerful, structured wine with firm tannins.
• Gevrey-Chambertin A powerful, structured wine with notes of red fruit and spices.
• Griotte-Chambertin An elegant, complex wine with aromas of red fruit and flowers.
• Latricières-Chambertin A powerful, structured wine with silky tannins.
• Mazis-Chambertin An elegant, complex wine with aromas of red fruits and spices.
• Mazoyères-Chambertin A powerful, structured wine with firm tannins.
• Morey-Saint-Denis An elegant, complex wine with aromas of red fruits and spices.
• Nuits-Saint-Georges A powerful, structured wine with notes of red fruit and spices.
• Richebourg A concentrated, complex wine with notes of black fruits and spices.
• Romanée-Conti : Considered one of the world's most prestigious wines, it offers exceptional aromatic complexity.
  
   
• Romanée-Saint-Vivant A powerful, structured wine with silky tannins.
• Ruchottes-Chambertin An elegant, complex wine with aromas of red fruits and spices.
• Vosne-Romanée A wine of great finesse, with aromas of flowers and red fruit.

Côte de Beaune

• Corton A powerful, structured wine with notes of red fruit and spices.
• Corton-Charlemagne A white wine of great complexity, with aromas of white fruits and minerals.
  
   
• Charlemagne A white wine of great finesse, with aromas of white fruit and flowers.
• Chevalier-Montrachet A white wine of great complexity, with aromas of white fruits and minerals.
• Montrachet Considered the "king of white wines", it offers exceptional aromatic complexity.
• Bâtard-Montrachet A white wine of great finesse, with aromas of white fruit and flowers.
• Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet A white wine of great complexity, with aromas of white fruits and minerals.
• Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet A white wine of great finesse, with aromas of white fruit and flowers.
• Clos de Vougeot A powerful, structured wine with notes of red fruit and spices.
  
   
• Clos de Tart A concentrated, complex wine with notes of black fruits and spices.
• Clos des Lambrays A powerful, structured wine with silky tannins.
• Puligny-Montrachet A white wine of great finesse, with aromas of white fruit and flowers.

Chablis

• Chablis Grand Cru A dry, mineral white wine with notes of white fruit and citrus.

Exceptional Years for Burgundy Wines

Some years have been particularly remarkable for Burgundy wines. Recent vintages include 2005, 2010, 2015and 2018 are often cited as benchmarks for quality.

Traditions around Wine and Gastronomy in Burgundy

Burgundy is not only famous for its wines, but also for its gastronomy. The region's traditional dishes go perfectly with the local wines.

Cheeses

Visit cheese is a must in Burgundy. Le Chaource cheesethe Brillat-Savarin and theÉpoisses are cheeses that go perfectly with the region's white and red wines.

Meat and Charcuterie

Burgundy is also famous for its meats and cold meats. Bœuf bourguignon, cooked in red wine, is an emblematic dish. Marbled hams and andouillettes are also local specialties that go well with Burgundy wines.

FAQ about Burgundy wines

What are the best Burgundy wines?

Burgundy's finest wines include Grands Crus such as Romanée-Conti, Montrachet and Clos de Vougeot.

What's the difference between a red and a white Burgundy wine?

Red wine is mainly made from Pinot Noir, while white wine is produced from Chardonnay. Reds are often more tannic, while whites can be dry or sweet.

What are Burgundy's grands crus?

Burgundy boasts 33 Grands Crus, including Romanée-Conti, Montrachet and Chambertin.

What are the best vintages for Burgundy wines?

The 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2018 vintages are particularly renowned for the quality of Burgundy wines.

What traditional dishes go well with Burgundy wines?

Beef bourguignon, marbled ham and cheeses such as Époisses are perfect matches for Burgundy wines.

Conclusion

Visit Burgundy wines represent an incomparably rich wine heritage. Whether you're a red, white or rosé wine enthusiast, you're sure to find a Burgundy wine to match your expectations. These wines, from an exceptional terroir, go wonderfully well with local gastronomy, creating unforgettable food and wine pairings. To find out more about the history and specific characteristics of Burgundy wines, please consult this Wikipedia page dedicated to Burgundy wines. here.

Don't forget to visit the other articles on the blog to explore the riches of France and its wine regions.