Burgundy Wine

Burgundy is divided into five major sub-regions, each with distinct geography, history, and wine traditions. Together, they form a narrow strip of vineyards running from Chablis in the north to Beaujolais in the south.

Located in northern Burgundy, closer to Champagne than to Dijon. Known for limestone-rich soils and a cool climate that produces some of France’s most distinctive white wines.

Stretching south from Dijon, this area is the heartland of red Burgundy. Home to famous villages such as Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée, and Nuits-Saint-Georges, as well as most of Burgundy’s Grand Cru vineyards.

Just south of the Côte de Nuits, this area is equally famous for both reds and whites. Villages like Pommard, Volnay, and Aloxe-Corton produce renowned reds, while Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, and Chassagne-Montrachet are legendary for whites.

South of the Côte de Beaune, this area has fewer Grand Cru vineyards but offers excellent value. Villages such as Mercurey and Givry are known for approachable reds and whites with strong character.

Further south, the Mâconnais produces mostly white wines, particularly from Chardonnay. Pouilly-Fuissé and Saint-Véran are among its most recognized appellations.

Technically part of Burgundy but often considered its own region. Known for red wines made primarily from Gamay, especially the light and fruity Beaujolais Nouveau and the more structured Beaujolais Crus such as Morgon and Fleurie.

Burgundy is unique in its focus on just a few grape varieties. Rather than blending many grapes, Burgundy wines are usually varietal expressions that highlight terroir — the combination of soil, climate, and vineyard site.

Black (Red) Grapes

The dominant grape of Beaujolais. Known for fresh, fruit-driven wines with notes of cherry, raspberry, and spice. While often lighter in style, Gamay from Beaujolais Crus can be structured and age-worthy.

White Grapes

Burgundy’s reputation comes from its focus on terroir, with wines often labeled by village or vineyard rather than grape. The region produces some of the world’s most sought-after reds and whites, alongside approachable styles from lesser-known areas.

Red Wines

The heartland of Pinot Noir, producing powerful, complex wines in villages such as Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée, and Nuits-Saint-Georges.

Pinot Noir from villages like Pommard and Volnay is known for elegance and aging potential.

Villages like Mercurey and Givry produce more approachable Pinot Noir, often at better value than Côte d’Or wines.

Made from Gamay. Styles range from light, fruity Beaujolais Nouveau to structured Cru wines like Morgon, Moulin-à-Vent, and Fleurie.

White Wines

Chardonnay from Chablis is mineral-driven, crisp, and unoaked, reflecting the region’s limestone soils.

Home to Burgundy’s most famous white wines, including Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, and Chassagne-Montrachet, which produce rich, complex Chardonnays with aging potential.

Known for approachable, fruit-forward Chardonnay, particularly from Pouilly-Fuissé and Saint-Véran.

Crisp, light, and refreshing, Aligoté is often consumed young and locally.

Sparkling Wines

A traditional-method sparkling wine made from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other permitted varieties. Offers excellent value compared to Champagne, which lies just to the north.

Unlike Bordeaux, where classifications are based on entire estates, Burgundy ranks its wines by vineyard site. The hierarchy moves from broad regional wines to the most prestigious single vineyards, reflecting Burgundy’s deep emphasis on terroir.

The entry level of Burgundy wines, labeled simply Bourgogne (e.g., Bourgogne Rouge, Bourgogne Blanc). These can be made from grapes grown anywhere in the region and offer the most accessible introduction to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Wines labeled with the name of a specific village (e.g., Gevrey-Chambertin, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet). These wines are more site-specific than regional bottlings and typically show greater character and quality.

Vineyards within a village that have been recognized for superior quality. Bottles are labeled with both the village name and vineyard name (e.g., Meursault 1er Cru “Les Perrières”). These wines are more structured and age-worthy than village-level wines.

The highest tier, representing Burgundy’s most exceptional vineyards. There are only 33 Grand Cru sites (e.g., Romanée-Conti, Chambertin, Montrachet). These wines are the rarest, longest-lived, and most expensive, epitomizing Burgundy’s global prestige.