Burgundy, which is often called "Bourgogne," is one of the most famous places in France and the whole world to make wine. It is known for making some of the most elegant, sought-after, and expensive wines in the world.
Burgundy wine, however, may be scary and difficult to grasp for many newcomers. Burgundy wine has a complex classification system, distinctive grape varietals, and a strong focus on terroir, so it's understandable why some wine enthusiasts find the region's wine intimidating. Fear not, though, for this introduction to Burgundy wine will give you a thorough rundown of the region, its wines, and its fascinating history.
This article will give you the tools you need to get around, whether you're new to wine and curious or an experienced wine drinker who wants to know more.
Burgundy wines are known for being unique and complex. This is because of a number of things that make the region different from others around the world. At the heart of Burgundy's winemaking philosophy is the concept of terroir, which refers to the environmental factors that impact a wine's character, such as soil, climate, and topography. In Burgundy, terroir is so important that it is reflected in the wine's classification, which is based on the vineyard where the grapes are grown. This means that the same grape variety from different vineyards will have distinctly different characteristics
The grape varieties used in Burgundy wines are also unique, with the region focusing primarily on two types: Pinot Noir for red wines and Chardonnay for white wines. These grapes are known for being picky and need a certain type of soil to grow well. This is why they are so closely linked to Burgundy.
In terms of style, Burgundy wines are typically medium-bodied, with a dry and elegant taste. This is largely due to the cooler climate of the region, which results in grapes with a lower sugar content. Compared to other wines, particularly Bordeaux, Burgundy has a lighter color, higher acidity, and lighter tannins, with approximately 65-70% of its overall pleasure coming from its aromatic profile.
Finally, Burgundy's unique classification system, which includes four tiers (regional, village, premier cru, and grand cru), is unlike any other in the world. Each classification is based on the vineyard where the grapes were grown, and indicates the quality and style of the wine. For example, a grand cru wine is considered to be of the highest quality, while a regional wine is more basic and less expensive.
Burgundy is located southeast of Paris, and its vineyards are spread across five sub-regions: Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise, and Mâconnais. These sub-regions each have their own unique terroir and are home to different grape varieties, which contribute to the diversity of wines produced in Burgundy.
The history of Burgundy wine can be traced back over 2,000 years, to the time of the Roman Empire. The Romans were important to the growth of winemaking in the area because they brought new grape varieties and ways to make wine. By the Middle Ages, Burgundy wine was very popular all over Europe, and the wealthy often paid a lot of money for the best bottles.
In the 14th and 15th centuries, Philip the Bold, the Duke of Burgundy, started to make the area known for making great wine. He started the Clos de Vougeot vineyard, which is still one of the best in Burgundy. He also began categorizing the wines of the region based on their quality and origin.
Over the centuries, the winemaking industry in Burgundy grew and changed, with new vineyards and ways to make wine. In the 19th century, phylloxera spread around the world and killed many vineyards, including those in Burgundy. This caused a lot of damage and the loss of vines. It took decades for the area to get back on its feet, and during that time, new ways of grafting and managing vineyards were created.
In the 20th century, Burgundy experienced a renaissance, as winemakers began to focus on the importance of terroir and the specific vineyard sites where grapes were grown. This led to the establishment of the region's unique classification system, which remains in place today.
Today, most people agree that Burgundy is one of the best wine regions in the world. It is known for making some of the best and most sought-after wines in the world. Its history, traditions, and special ways of making wine continue to inspire and shape winemakers all over the world.
More about Burgundy history can be learned here.
The Burgundy Wine Region is split into five main sub-regions, each with its own terroir and grape varieties:
Chablis: Located in the northernmost part of Burgundy, Chablis is known for its crisp, acidic white wines made from Chardonnay grapes. The soil in Chablis is a unique mix of clay and limestone, which gives the wines their unique mineral taste.
Côte de Nuits: Known for producing some of the world's finest Pinot Noir wines, the Côte de Nuits is located just south of Dijon. The wines from this sub-region are known for their complexity, depth, and aging potential. Some of the most famous appellations in the Côte de Nuits include Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-Saint-Georges, and Vosne-Romanée.
Côte de Beaune: Located just south of the Côte de Nuits, the Côte de Beaune is known for producing both red and white wines. The white wines, made from Chardonnay grapes, are some of the finest in the world, with a crisp, mineral character and a long aging potential. The red wines, made from Pinot Noir grapes, are also highly prized for their finesse and elegance. Famous appellations in the Côte de Beaune include Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, and Volnay.
Côte Chalonnaise: South of the Côte de Beaune, the Côte Chalonnaise is a smaller and less well-known sub-region, but it still produces some excellent wines. The red wines are made from Pinot Noir grapes, while the white wines are made from Chardonnay. Famous appellations in the Côte Chalonnaise include Mercurey and Rully.
Mâconnais: The southernmost sub-region of Burgundy, the Mâconnais is known for producing high-quality white wines made from Chardonnay grapes. The wines from this sub-region are often more affordable than those from the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits, but can still be of excellent quality. Famous appellations in the Mâconnais include Pouilly-Fuissé and Saint-Véran.
Burgundy wines are classified based on a hierarchical system that takes into account the specific vineyards or plots where the grapes were grown. The system is set up so that wines from the most prestigious vineyards have the highest status, and wines from vineyards with less prestige have a lower status. There are four levels of classification in Burgundy:
Regional Wines
These wines are made from grapes grown across the entire Burgundy region and are considered the lowest level of classification. These wines are labeled simply as "Bourgogne," and can be either red or white.
Village Wines
These wines are made from grapes grown in specific villages within the Burgundy region, and are labeled with the name of the village. For example, a wine made from grapes grown in the village of Gevrey-Chambertin would be labeled as such. Village wines are considered to be of higher quality than regional wines, come with a much higher price tag, and can be either red or white.
Premier Cru Wines
Premier cru wines are made from grapes grown in specific vineyards within a village, and are considered to be of even higher quality than village wines. Premier cru wines are labeled with the name of the village, followed by the name of the specific vineyard. For example, a wine made from grapes grown in the Les Charmes vineyard in Meursault would be labeled as "Meursault Les Charmes." Premier cru wines can be either red or white.
Grand Cru Wines
Grand cru wines are the highest level of classification in Burgundy, and are made from grapes grown in the most prestigious vineyards in the region. There are only 33 grand cru vineyards in all of Burgundy, and the wines made from these vineyards are highly sought-after and command some of the highest prices in the world. Grand cru wines are labeled with the name of the vineyard only, and can be either red or white.
Understanding the Burgundy classification system can help you choose wines because it shows you how good and well-known the wine is. However, it's worth noting that there can be a wide range of quality within each classification, and the best way to select a wine is often to taste it and find a producer whose style and approach you enjoy.
Located in the northernmost part of Burgundy, Chablis is known for its dry, acidic, and mineral-driven Chardonnay white wines. The seven Grand Cru vineyards of Chablis are located on a single hillside and produce some of the region's most complex and long-lived Chardonnays.
Located in the Côte de Beaune sub-region, Montrachet is known for its world-class Chardonnay-based white wines. Montrachet is widely regarded as the world's finest white wine vineyard, producing complex and age-worthy wines with notes of citrus, white flowers, and minerality.
Corton is unique in that it produces both red and white wines. It is located in the Côte de Beaune sub-region. Pinot Noir is used to make the reds, and Chardonnay is used to make the whites. The wines are well-known for their complexity, structure, and longevity.
Clos de Vougeot is the largest single Grand Cru vineyard in Burgundy, located in the Côte de Nuits sub-region. The wines made here are renowned for their strength, depth, and complexity, with flavors of black fruit, spice, and earth.
Considered by many to be the world's finest and most sought-after wine, Romanée-Conti is a tiny vineyard in the Côte de Nuits sub-region that produces only a few hundred cases of wine each year. The wine, made from Pinot Noir, is known for its complexity, depth, and elegance.
Musigny is a small vineyard in the Côte de Nuits sub-region that produces some of the world's most sought-after and expensive wines. The wines, made from Pinot Noir, are known for their complexity, elegance, and aging potential.
Located in the Côte de Nuits sub-region, Chambertin is one of Burgundy's most well-known and highly regarded vineyards. The wines made here are renowned for their strength, structure, and complexity, with flavors of black fruit, spice, and earth.
Located in the Côte de Nuits sub-region, Bonnes-Mares is known for producing wines that are a unique blend of power and elegance. The wines are made from a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blend and are known for their complex flavors of red fruit, spice, and earth.
Échezeaux is a small vineyard in the Côte de Nuits sub-region that produces wines known for their complexity, depth, and aging potential. The wines are made from Pinot Noir and have flavors of black fruit, spice, and earth.
Richebourg, located in the Côte de Nuits subregion, is known for producing wines that are powerful, complex, and long-lasting. The wines, made from Pinot Noir, have flavors of black fruit, spice, and earth, and are frequently described as among the most masculine and structured of all Burgundy wines.
Burgundy is a wine lover's paradise, with an array of reds and whites made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. These wines are known for their clarity and elegance, as well as their ability to express the true essence of the region they come from. So if you're looking for a unique and rewarding experience, look no further than Burgundy!
