Côte d'Or • Chablis • Mâconnais
Burgundy
The sacred heart of French wine, where Cistercian monks first defined terroir and Pinot Noir achieves its ultimate expression
The Definition of Terroir
Burgundy is not merely a wine region—it is a philosophy, a way of understanding the relationship between land, climate, and human craft that has influenced winemakers worldwide.
Stretching from Chablis in the north to the Mâconnais in the south, Burgundy encompasses some of the most coveted vineyards on Earth. Here, the concept of terroir—the unique combination of soil, climate, and topography that gives a wine its character—was first systematically understood and documented.
The region's fame rests on two grape varieties: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. While these grapes are grown worldwide, nowhere else do they achieve the complexity, elegance, and transparency of site that defines Burgundian wine. A Grand Cru from Côte de Nuits or Côte de Beaune represents the pinnacle of what these varieties can express.
Burgundy's classification system, established over centuries and codified in the 20th century, creates a hierarchy of quality: Regional, Village, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru. This pyramid structure, based on the observation that certain plots consistently produced better wines, has become the model for wine regions globally.
Key Facts
- Location: Eastern France, between Champagne and Beaujolais
- Climate: Continental, with cold winters and warm summers
- Soil: Limestone, marl, and clay (Kimmeridgian)
- Main Grapes: Pinot Noir (red), Chardonnay (white)
- Secondary: Aligoté, Gamay
- UNESCO Status: Climats of Burgundy (2015)
A History Written by Monks
From Celtic tribes to Cistercian precision—how Burgundy became the world's most terroir-focused wine region
Roman Arrival
The Romans establish vineyards after conquering the Celtic tribes. By 52 BC, viticulture is flourishing in the region.
Abbey of Cluny Founded
The Benedictine Abbey of Cluny becomes the largest landowner in Burgundy. At their peak, they control 1,500+ monasteries across Europe.
Cistercian Order Established
The Cistercian Abbey of Cîteaux is founded. These monks bring systematic study to viticulture, meticulously documenting vineyard plots and soil differences.
Clos de Vougeot Created
The Cistercians establish Burgundy's largest walled vineyard (50+ hectares). They notice different plots produce consistently different wines—birth of the climat concept.
Dukes of Burgundy
Philip the Bold bans "disloyal Gamay" from Côte d'Or, decreeing only Pinot Noir be planted. This shapes the region's red wine identity for centuries.
French Revolution
Church lands are confiscated and sold. Napoleonic inheritance laws later fragment vineyards among heirs, creating the patchwork of small holdings that defines Burgundy today.
Dr. Lavalle's Map
Dr. Jules Lavalle publishes the first detailed classification of Burgundy vineyards, establishing the hierarchy that would become the basis for the AOC system.
AOC Established
Burgundy establishes its Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée system, codifying the terroir hierarchy: Grand Cru, Premier Cru, Village, and Regional.
UNESCO World Heritage
The Climats of Burgundy are designated UNESCO World Heritage, recognizing 1,247 named vineyard plots and the unique terroir-based system.
The Climats of Burgundy
1,247 distinct vineyard plots, each with its own name, history, and characteristic expression
🪨 Limestone & Marl
The foundation of Burgundy's greatness. The Jurassic limestone (Kimmeridgian) provides drainage and minerality. Marl (limestone + clay) offers the perfect balance of water retention and drainage.
⛰️ The Golden Slope
The Côte d'Or ("Golden Slope") faces east-southeast, capturing morning sun while avoiding harsh afternoon heat. The slope provides natural drainage and air circulation.
🌡️ Continental Climate
Cold winters, warm summers, and the constant threat of spring frost shape the vintage variation that makes each Burgundy year unique. Climate change is altering these patterns.
📍 The Hierarchy
Grand Cru: 84 vineyards, the pinnacle
Premier Cru: 635 vineyards, exceptional
Village: 44 villages, classic expression
Regional: Bourgogne, broader style
The Five Main Sub-Regions
| Region | Location | Specialty | Key Appellations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chablis | Northernmost, 2 hours from Paris | Steely, mineral Chardonnay | Grand Cru (7), Premier Cru (40) |
| Côte de Nuits | Night slope, Dijon to Corgoloin | Red wines, 24 Grand Crus | Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée |
| Côte de Beaune | Bone slope, Beaune area | White wines, 8 Grand Crus | Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet |
| Côte Chalonnaise | South of Côte d'Or | Value-driven Pinot & Chard | Mercurey, Givry, Rully |
| Mâconnais | Southernmost, near Lyon | Affordable Chardonnay | Pouilly-Fuissé, Saint-Véran |
The Noble Grapes
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay achieve their ultimate expression in Burgundy's diverse terroirs
Pinot Noir
The heartbreak grape finds its spiritual home in Burgundy. Thin-skinned, temperamental, and transparent to terroir, Pinot Noir expresses every nuance of its vineyard site.
- Plantings: 11,000+ hectares (70% of production)
- Key Regions: Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune (Pommard, Volnay)
- Characteristics: Red berries, earth, spice, silky tannins
- Aging: 5-20+ years for top wines
- Terroir Expression: Extremely sensitive to site
Chardonnay
From steely Chablis to rich Meursault, Burgundy's Chardonnay showcases unparalleled diversity. The grape's neutrality allows terroir to shine through.
- Plantings: 13,000+ hectares (48% of production)
- Key Regions: Chablis, Côte de Beaune, Mâconnais
- Characteristics: Citrus, stone fruit, minerality, hazelnut
- Aging: 3-15+ years for top wines
- Style Range: Lean to opulent depending on site
Aligoté
Burgundy's "other" white grape, making a comeback. Traditionally used in Kir (with crème de cassis), quality Aligoté offers crisp acidity and apple notes.
- Plantings: 1,600 hectares
- Key Regions: Bouzeron (AOC dedicated)
- Characteristics: High acid, citrus, apple
- Trend: Quality revolution underway
Gamay
Banned from Côte d'Or in 1416, Gamay now thrives in Beaujolais (technically Burgundy). Light, fruity, perfect for early drinking.
- Plantings: Beaujolais (separate region)
- Style: Light, fruity, low tannin
- Famous for: Beaujolais Nouveau
- Cru Beaujolais: Serious, age-worthy wines
Natural & Biodynamic Producers
Burgundy's forward-thinking vignerons combining tradition with sustainable, low-intervention winemaking
Legendary Estates
Rising Stars & Natural Specialists
The Grand Crus
84 vineyards representing the absolute pinnacle of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Côte de Nuits Grand Crus
The world's most coveted Pinot Noir vineyards. From Gevrey-Chambertin's power to Vosne-Romanée's elegance, these sites produce wines of extraordinary complexity and longevity.
- Chambertin: "King of Wines"—powerful, structured
- Romanée-Conti: The most expensive wine on Earth
- La Tâche: Vosne-Romanée's other legend
- Richebourg: Opulent, voluptuous
- Romanée-St-Vivant: Elegant, floral
Côte de Beaune Grand Crus
Home to the greatest Chardonnay vineyards in the world. Montrachet commands prices that rival the best reds, offering unmatched complexity and aging potential.
- Montrachet: The greatest white wine
- Corton-Charlemagne: Power and elegance
- Chevalier-Montrachet: Finesse and longevity
- Bâtard-Montrachet: Rich, honeyed
- Criots-Bâtard: Smallest Grand Cru (1.57 ha)
Chablis Grand Crus
All seven Grand Crus are located on a single southwest-facing hillside above the village of Chablis. From west to east: Bougros, Les Preuses, Vaudésir, Grenouilles, Valmur, Les Clos, and Blanchot. Each offers a distinct expression of Chardonnay on Kimmeridgian limestone.
Visiting Burgundy
A pilgrimage for wine lovers—tasting rooms, historic cellars, and the Route des Grands Crus
🍷 Wine Tourism
Many domaines offer tastings by appointment. The Route des Grands Crus runs from Dijon to Santenay, passing through all the famous villages.
🏛️ Historic Sites
Clos de Vougeot (12th century), Hospices de Beaune (1443), and the Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne (wine museum).
🍽️ Gastronomy
Burgundy's cuisine matches its wine: beef bourguignon, coq au vin, escargots, and Époisses cheese. Michelin-starred restaurants abound.