Located in the eastern part of France, Burgundy stretches over a large area. With various microclimates and soil types, each contributing to the flavour profiles of the wine. We distinguish between the following wine producing areas: Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise, Mâconnais and, of course, Chablis.

Côte de Nuits (Côte d’Or)

The Côte de Nuits, located in the heart of Burgundy in the Côte d’Or department, is a legendary region considered the most prestigious wine region worldwide. This mainly for its exceptional red wines. The area stretches from Dijon to the town of Nuits-Saint-Georges and boasts some of the most famous wines in the world. Think, for example, of Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée, Chambolle-Musigny and Nuits-Saint-Georges. Of course, this is also the area of the Grand Cru’s. In total, as many as 20 vineyards have this classification. The Côte de Nuits is a place of pilgrimage for lovers of fine red Burgundy wines.

Côte de Beaune (Côte d’Or)

Located in the southern part of the Côte d’Or, the Côte de Beaune is as iconic as the Côte de Nuits. This region is known worldwide for its exquisite red but also white wines. Think Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, Meursault, Volnay and Pommard. There are also several vineyards in the Côte de Beaune that have a Grand Cru classification. A total of eight, with the vineyards in Chassagne- and Puligny-Montrachet being the most famous.

Côte Chalonnaise (Saône-et-Loire)

The Côte Chalonnaise is south of the Côte de Beaune and north of the Mâconnais. It is beautiful region, but less well known than other wine-producing areas in Burgundy. Yet good and still affordable wines come from it. Example are: Mercurey, Rully and Givry. With its charming villages, rolling hills and excellent terroir, the Côte Chalonnaise remains a destination worth exploring for wine lovers looking for hidden gems in Burgundy.

Mâconnais (Saône-et-Loire)

The Mâconnais, located south of the Côte Chalonnaise, is a beautiful wine region in Burgundy that is best known for its refined and affordable white wines. The Mâconnais covers an area with diverse terroirs ranging from limestone to clay and pebbles, resulting in a wide range of flavour profiles in the wines. Examples of wines include: Pouilly-Fuissé, Saint-Véran and Viré-Clessé. These wines are often fruity, lively and refreshing. Everyday wines, also because of their price.

Chablis (Yonne)

Finally, there is Chablis. A region in northern Burgundy, known for its fresh, tight and mineral wines. Chablis is world-famous and rightly so. This unique wine region is distinguished by its chalky soils, cool climate and excellent terroir, making it the perfect environment for producing vibrant and expressive white wines. Chablis has four classifications: Petit Chablis, Chablis (Village), Chablis Premier Cru and Chablis Grand Cru. As many as 7 vineyards in Chablis are a Grand Cru. Think Les Clos, Vaudésir and Blanchot. Chablis offers an unmistakable expression of Burgundian finesse and refinement. With the acidity so typical.

One of the key characteristics of Burgundy is the concept of terroir, which refers to the unique combination of soil, climate and topography of the vineyards that gives wines their characteristic flavour. Within Burgundy, there are several regions, each producing their own subtly different styles of wine.

The unique terroir of Burgundy, a term that refers to the combination of soil, climate and topography that influences the characteristics of the wine region. In Burgundy, terroir is not just a concept, but rather a sacred ground to which winemakers entrust their passion, heritage and craftsmanship. Burgundy is characterised by diverse soil types, ranging from limestone to clay and gravel, often in complex layers that add different nuances to the wines. This interplay of soil types is further refined by a temperate continental climate, in which warm summers and cool autumns allow the grapes to ripen while retaining freshness and vibrancy. Burgundy’s vineyards stretch across a narrow strip of land from north to south, sandwiched between the foothills of the Paris basin and the shores of the Saône. This geographical diversity, together with the unique microclimates formed by the valleys and slopes, contributes to the complexity and individuality of the wines produced here.

Some winemakers have achieved almost mythical status. Their names are known worldwide and their wines are often sold before the grapes are even harvested. These exclusive wines are scarce and hugely sought-after, driving up prices and making them sought-after collectibles. Astronomical sums are sometimes paid for these iconic wines. Some of Burgundy’s most renowned winemakers include:

• Georges Roumier
• Domaine Leroy
• Arnaud Ente
• Domaine de la Romanée-Conti
• Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé
• Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair
• François Raveneau
• Armand Rousseau
• Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier
• Vincent Dauvissat
• Coche-Dury

Rare wines available at most on allocation and in small numbers. Demand for these wines is high. Both from domestically (France) and abroad. In which there is increasing demand from countries like Japan and China. Prices have therefore risen considerably in recent years.

As complex as Burgundy is in terms of appellations and climates, the region is so simple when it comes to grape varieties. It actually grows ‘only’ two varieties: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. According to many, nowhere else in the world do these grapes thrive as well as in Burgundy. Nowhere else do the grapes reach their expression better.

Chardonnay does very well in the limestone-rich soils of Burgundy. This grape forms the basis for the region’s famous white wines, with their distinctive aromas of green apple, peach and a subtle minerality. The wines range from refreshing and lively in the villages of Chablis to rich and buttery in the southern areas such as Meursault.

Pinot Noir, the delicate red grape known to be difficult to grow, finds an ideal home in Burgundy. The cool climatic conditions and diverse terroirs create wines of extraordinary complexity and elegance. The grape displays a range of aromas, including red berries, strawberries, and earthy notes such as mushrooms and forest floor. From Irancy in the Yonne, to Marsannay in the top of the Côte de Nuits to Santenay in the southern Côte de Beaune. Burgundy gets its versatility from this grape.

Yet there are also some exceptions. In a few appellations, Sauvignon Blanc is grown, and in southern Burgundy we see a lot of Gamay. Aligoté can also occasionally be encountered. But it remains relatively rare. The most famous – and most expensive – wines are still made from Chardonnay or Pinot Noir.

With vinsdebourgogne.co.uk, we focus on the better wines from Burgundy. Quality wines. Some wines come from our own collection or other private collections. Other wines we import and are therefore relatively affordable. But they are always excellent wines from expert winemakers. Winemakers who work with an eye for detail and respect for the environment.