Burgundy wine

Burgundy Wine

Map of Burgundy wine regions

Burgundy wine (French: vin de Bourgogne) is wine made in the Burgundy region in eastern France, in the valleys and slopes west of the Saône River, a tributary of the Rhône River. The most famous wines produced here—those commonly referred to as "Burgundies"—are dry red wines made from Pinot noir grapes and white wines made from Chardonnay grapes.

History

The history of Burgundy wine dates back to the Roman Empire, when the first vineyards were planted. The region's wine production was further developed by the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages, with monasteries playing a significant role in the cultivation of vineyards. The Cistercian and Benedictine monks were instrumental in identifying the best parcels of land for viticulture, which laid the foundation for the modern concept of terroir.

Geography and Climate

Vineyards in Côte de Nuits

Burgundy is divided into several sub-regions, each with its own unique terroir and appellations. The main wine-producing areas are:

• Chablis
• Côte de Nuits
• Côte de Beaune
• Côte Chalonnaise
• Mâconnais

The climate in Burgundy is predominantly continental, with cold winters and hot summers. The region's varied topography and soil types contribute to the diversity of wines produced.

Wine Production

Harvest in Chablis Premier Cru Fourchaume

Burgundy wines are known for their complexity and ability to age. The production process is highly traditional, with an emphasis on expressing the unique characteristics of each vineyard. The region is known for its small-scale producers, with many vineyards being family-owned.

Red Wines

The primary grape variety for red Burgundy is Pinot noir. These wines are typically light to medium-bodied with flavors of red fruits, earth, and spice. The best examples can age for decades, developing complex aromas and flavors over time.

White Wines

White Burgundy from Meursault

White Burgundy is primarily made from Chardonnay grapes. These wines range from light and crisp to rich and full-bodied, often with flavors of citrus, apple, and mineral. The Côte de Beaune is particularly renowned for its white wines.

Sparkling Wines

Crémant de Bourgogne

Burgundy also produces sparkling wines known as Crémant de Bourgogne. These wines are made using the traditional method and can be white or rosé.

Appellations

Burgundy has a complex system of appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) designations, which classify wines based on their geographic origin and quality. The hierarchy includes:

• Grand Cru
• Premier Cru
• Village
• Regional

Notable Producers

Domaine Jean-Marc Boillot Les Referts 2012

Burgundy is home to many prestigious wine producers, known as Domaines. Some of the most famous include:

• Domaine de la Romanée-Conti
• Domaine Leroy
• Domaine Leflaive

Related Pages

• French wine
• Pinot noir
• Chardonnay
• Terroir