The vineyards between Dijon to Lyon in central France are the origin of some of the most glorified wines of the world. The wines of Bourgogne are defined by the terroir since medieval times and classifications are mainly geographical. As you travel through the region, there are thousands of growers and producers all around you and many small and artisanal wineries that produce some of the greatest, most sophisticated and most elegant wines. Welcome to Bourgogne! 

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History & Climate 

Wine-making started in Bourgogne as early as 2,000 years ago. During medieval times, monks and monasteries of the Roman Catholic Church were gifted extensive lands to cultivate wines. Over time, they noticed that different vineyards (sometimes different areas within the same vineyard) yield different wines from the same variety. This resulted in delineating vineyards by their terroir. Later, with the decrease in the power of the church, lands were sold to individuals, but the same practice had survived. The laws of inheritance of Napoleon caused many of the lands to be divided and re-divided time and again, and it is quite typical today to meet a grower or a producer of wine who owns one or two rows of vines only. The local term for such a plot is “Climat” meaning the wine-growing “unit” that has its own name, history, flavors and character. 

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Culinary Gems

There are many tiny villages surrounded by vineyards. The villages are so small that it is possible to pass through a famous wine village without even realizing it. The locals seem to appreciate their village life, and who wouldn’t? The shops, small markets, and restaurants are filled with delicious, healthy, fresh locally made food and with fantastic wines - reds and whites. Some believe that Bourgogne is the true culinary capital of France and it is easy to agree. You can enjoy a dish of the famous Boeuf Bourguignon, simmering tasty cauldrons, sausages, escargot, fresh produce, and of course excellent cheese to go with your wine.

   

There are several famous wineries in Bourgogne, producing excellent wines. There are also the smaller wineries, where the growers continue to personally cultivate their vineyards, and produce wines that are just as excellent. A tasting in a musty wine cellar of a small producer with a good story to share, who knows each of his vines personally, is part of Bourgogne magic.

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Soils & Climate

Vineyards are planted on eastern hilly slopes (“Grand Cru” and “Premier Cru” varietal wines) and on flatlands (“Village” and “Bourgogne” wines that can be varietals or blends). The soils are very diversified, and the difference in the quality of wines (even if from the same varieties) can be dramatic. The climate is continental, cold winters, and hot summers but the weather is unpredictable, and unfortunately, it is quite usual to have frost, hail and rain during harvest time. As a result, there can be a significant difference between different vintages of the same vines. 

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Appellations & Classifications

Bourgogne has over 100 appellations, a large diversification of terroir, thousands of wineries, and varying quality of wines classified in 4 categories (Grand Cru, Premier Cru, Village, and Regional).  It is the perfect example that intimate knowledge of villages and wineries is critical for sourcing the best and most suitable wines.  

 

The most famous and most expensive Bourgogne wines are produced in the Grand Cru vineyards of the Cote d’Or, in the heart of the region: Pinot Noir in the Cote de Nuits area and Chardonnay in the Cote de Beaune area.  

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Pinot Noir

Wines produced with Pinot Noir are light and complex. Pinot Noir grape is black with a thin skin and low to medium tannins (therefore oak maturing must be done carefully). Aromas and flavors can range from vegetal to red fruit and develop animal nuances, mushrooms, meaty aromas as it ages, it is typically consumed young. Pinot Noir likes moderate or cool climate and is a challenging variety to grow even there. However, when the right balance is found, it makes some of the best wines in the world, complex, elegant and sophisticated.

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Chardonnay

The white wine of Bourgogne is made with Chardonnay grapes. Unlike Pinot Noir, Chardonnay is very adaptable and can grow in many climates and terroirs. Its style will vary depending on where it is grown. In the cool climate of Bourgogne, Chardonnay will make green fruit, citrus, mineral, high acidity wines (Chablis) or white stone fruits (peach), citrus and melon (central and south Bourgogne, Macconais and Cote d’Or). Chardonnay will also taste differently depending on the production technique (with/without oak).

 

Beaujolais & Other Bourgogne Wines

Additional typical wines of Bourgogne are the Beaujolais (young, light, fruity red wine made with Gamay grapes), Aligote (white), and Sauvignon Blanc (white). it is also possible to find rose and sparkling wines. 

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