Located in the eastern part of France, Burgundy extends over a large area. With various microclimates and soil types, each contributing to the flavor 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)

Located in the heart of Burgundy in the Côte d'Or department, the Côte de Nuits is a legendary region considered the most prestigious wine region worldwide. This is mainly because of its exceptional red wines. The area stretches from Dijon to the town of Nuits-Saint-Georges and has some of the most famous wines in the world. For example, think of Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée, Chambolle-Musigny and Nuits-Saint-Georges. Of course, this is also the area of ​​Grand Crus. A total of 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)

The Côte de Beaune is located in the southern part of the Côte d'Or and is just as iconic as the Côte de Nuits. This region is known worldwide for its excellent red and white wines. Think of 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 8, with the vineyards in Chassagne- and Puligny-Montrachet being the most famous.

Côte Chalonnaise (Saône-et-Loire)

The Côte Chalonnaise is located south of the Côte de Beaune and north of the Mâconnais. It is a beautiful region, but less known than other wine producing areas in Burgundy. Yet good and affordable wines are produced there. 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 extends over an area with diverse terroirs ranging from limestone to clay and pebbles, resulting in a wide range of flavor profiles in the wines. Examples of wines are: 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 the north of Burgundy, known for its fresh, sleek and mineral wines. Chablis is world famous and rightly so. This unique wine region is distinguished by its calcareous soils, cool climate and excellent terroir, providing the perfect environment for the production of vibrant and expressive white wines. Chablis has 4 classifications: Petit Chablis, Chablis (Village), Chablis Premier Cru and Chablis Grand Cru. No fewer than 7 vineyards in Chablis are Grand Cru. Think of Les Clos, Vaudésir and Blanchot. Chablis offers an unmistakable expression of Burgundian finesse and refinement. With the typical acidity.

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

Burgundy's unique terroir, a term referring 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 characterized by diverse soil types, ranging from limestone to clay and pebble, 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. The vineyards of Burgundy extend over a narrow strip of land from north to south, sandwiched between the foothills of the Parisian basin and the coasts 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 enjoy true hero status. They are world famous and their wines are sold before the grapes are harvested. The terroir as described above plays a major role. Winemakers understand this concept better than anyone and use this diversity to produce wines of distinctive quality. They also always emphasize quality over quantity. They are willing to limit yields to maximize the concentration and complexity of the wines. Some winemakers are now world famous, and astronomical sums are paid for their wines. Star restaurants want to donate them, private individuals collect them and they receive high bids at auctions. Some world-famous winemakers from Burgundy:

• Georges Roumier
• Domain of Romanée-Conti
• Domaine Leflaive
• François Raveneau
• Armand Rousseau
• Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier
• Vincent Dauvissat
• Domaine Leroy
• Domaine Coche-Dury

Valuable wines that are available at most by allocation and in small numbers. The demand for these wines is high. Both from within the country (France) and from abroad. There is increasing demand from countries such as Japan and China. Prices have therefore risen considerably in recent years.

As complex as Burgundy is in terms of appellations and climats, the region is just as simple when it comes to grape varieties. There are actually 'only' two varieties grown: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. According to many, nowhere in the world do these grapes thrive as well as in Burgundy. Nowhere else do the grapes express themselves 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 characteristic 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 for being difficult to grow, finds an ideal home in Burgundy. The cool climate conditions and diverse terroirs create wines of extraordinary complexity and elegance. The grape exhibits a range of aromas, including red berries, strawberries, and earthy notes such as mushrooms and forest floor. By Irancy in the Yonne, to Marsannay at the top of the Côte de Nuits up to Santenay in the south of the Côte de Beaune. Burgundy gets the versatility out of this grape.

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