Burgundy

Overview

Situated in eastern France, Burgundy (Bourgogne) is perhaps the most terroir-focused wine region in the world. Its vineyards are divided into thousands of tiny, distinct parcels known as climats, many of which have been designated and cultivated since the Middle Ages by Cistercian monks.

The region spans several key sub-districts from north to south: Chablis (known for steely, unaoaked Chardonnay), the Côte d'Or - divided into the Pinot Noir-dominated Côte de Nuits and the Chardonnay-focused Côte de Beaune - followed by the Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais.

In Burgundy, the focal point isn't about blending varietals but rather expressing the pure, unadulterated nature of a single grape varietal grown on a highly specific piece of land. The precise limestone and clay (marl) soils dictate whether a plot is classified as regional, village, Premier Cru, or a globally coveted Grand Cru.

Key Varietals

• Pinot NoirThe sole red grape of the Côte d'Or, producing wines of incredible elegance, aromatics, and complexity with notes of cherry, forest floor, and truffle.
• ChardonnayThe premier white grape here, capable of expressing minerality in Chablis while offering rich, concentrated, and oak-aged opulence in Montrachet.
• AligotéThe "other" white grape of Burgundy, known for producing crisp, vibrant, and highly refreshing wines perfect for early drinking.
• GamayMostly found in the nearby Beaujolais or the regional Bourgogne Passe-tout-grains blend, delivering juicy, highly aromatic red fruit.