Burgundy is one of France's most prestigious wine regions, celebrated for elegant, terroir-driven wines made almost exclusively from Pinot Noir (red) and Chardonnay (white). Its patchwork of small, individually named vineyards and limited production have made top Burgundies among the most sought-after and expensive wines in the world. The region has an oceanic climate with continental influence, and stretches from Chablis in the north down through the Côte d'Or to Beaujolais in the south.
Grapes grown here
Sub-regions
Beaujolais
Beaujolais lies just south of Burgundy and is best known for light, fruity, easy-drinking red wines made almost entirely from Gamay, often produced using carbonic maceration, as in the famous Beaujolais Nouveau. Granite and schist soils in the hilly north yield the region's more structured cru wines, while the flatter, clay-rich south produces lighter styles; small amounts of Chardonnay and other white grapes are also permitted.
Chablis
Chablis is a Burgundy appellation in the Yonne department, north of the Côte d'Or, famous for lean, mineral, high-acid white wines made entirely from Chardonnay. Its cool climate and distinctive limestone soils give Chablis a flinty, steely character that sets it apart from riper Chardonnay grown elsewhere in Burgundy.
Côte de Beaune
Côte de Beaune is the southern half of Burgundy's Côte d'Or, known for producing both the region's most celebrated whites, like Montrachet and Meursault, and elegant, perfumed reds. Chardonnay dominates the central communes on limestone soils, while Pinot Noir remains important toward the northern and southern ends. The Hospices de Beaune wine auction, held here annually, is a major event in the Burgundy wine calendar.
Côte de Nuits
Côte de Nuits is the northern half of Burgundy's Côte d'Or escarpment and the heartland of the region's most powerful, age-worthy red wines, made from Pinot Noir grown on marl-rich slopes. It's home to the majority of Burgundy's Grand Cru vineyards, including Chambertin and the vineyards of Vosne-Romanée, with small amounts of Chardonnay produced on limestone-heavy patches. A continental climate and vintage variation from spring frost, summer hail, and autumn rain make each year's wines quite distinct.
Mâconnais
Mâconnais is Burgundy's southernmost wine district, known for good-value white wines made from Chardonnay grown on limestone hills, especially around the village of Pouilly-Fuissé. A smaller amount of red and rosé wine is made from Gamay and Pinot Noir, which can be blended together in any proportion.