Many experts agree that some of the world’s most exciting wines come from Burgundy, a region that starts 100 km south of Paris and extends down to Lyon, forming a 360 km wine superhighway featuring stars like Chablis and Beaujolais. Join us on a wine road trip through Burgundy to discover what makes its wines stand out from the rest of France.
Burgundy is known for its diverse soils and is divided into several districts: Chablis, Côte d’Or (split into Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune), Côte Chalonnaise, Mâconnais, and Beaujolais. The wines from this region come in velvety and subtle reds or sensual and characteristic whites. Burgundy produces two of France’s most popular wines: Beaujolais and Chablis, with Pinot Noir being the key grape for reds and Chardonnay for whites.
In Burgundy, the concept of terroir is vital. The idea is that wines from a specific region are unique and can’t be replicated elsewhere, even with the same grape varieties and wine-making techniques. This belief means that the distinct flavors of wines like Alsace’s crisp whites and Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s dark reds are rooted in their terroir rather than just the grapes. Burgundy winemakers believe they are producing extraordinary Burgundian wines that happen to use Pinot Noir, not just Pinot Noir grown in Burgundy.
The Chablis region, the northernmost wine district in Burgundy, is almost exclusively planted with Chardonnay, producing dry white wines known for their pure aroma and taste. The cool climate of Chablis results in wines with higher acidity and less fruity flavors compared to those from warmer regions.
Côte de Nuits, in northern Côte d’Or, is famous for its robust and elegant red wines made from Pinot Noir. These wines are known for their intense and fragrant bouquet, though the region also produces some white and rosé wines.
Côte de Beaune, in the southern part of Côte d’Or, spans about twenty kilometers and is renowned for its great dry white wines and notable reds. The wines here are distinguished by their aroma and warm bouquet, typically lighter in body and maturing quicker than those from Côte de Nuits. The region’s fame is closely tied to its capital, Beaune, the historical and economic hub of Burgundy wine production.
Nestled between Côte de Beaune and Mâconnais, Côte Chalonnaise is one of Burgundy’s most picturesque wine-growing regions. Though not as famous as its northern neighbor, it offers a microcosm of Burgundy with a great variety of wines.
The Mâconnais region, named after the town of Mâcon, is the largest producer of white wine in Burgundy. The white wines here are light, dry, and typically easy-drinking and affordable, while the reds are light to medium-bodied and fruity.
Beaujolais, often described as “the only white wine that happens to be red,” primarily uses the Gamay grape, known for its thin skin and low tannins. Beaujolais wines are usually light-bodied with relatively high acidity.
Explore these diverse wine regions and discover your own favorites on a Burgundy wine adventure.
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