Burgundy Wine

Nestled in the heart of France, Burgundy stands as a beacon of excellence in the world of wine. Renowned for its rich history, distinctive terroir, and unparalleled wine varieties, this region has captivated wine enthusiasts for centuries.

A Storied Past

Burgundy, a region synonymous with wine, weaves a rich tapestry of history and terroir, dating back to Roman times. The Romans, exploring and settling, unknowingly planted the seeds of a winemaking legacy that spans centuries.

The Middle Ages saw a pivotal shift as a generous king bequeathed vineyards to the church. Monastic orders like the Benedictines and Cistercians became custodians of vast vineyards. In 910, the Abbey of Cluny and, later, the Cistercians with the iconic Clos de Vougeot in 1336, marked milestones, unveiling the nuanced expressions of Burgundy's terroir.

Nobility's embrace of vineyards elevated Burgundy's wines. Pinot Noir made its debut in 1370, underlining the region's vinous prowess. Duke Philip the Bold's 1395 decree safeguarding wine quality and the emergence of high-quality white Burgundy from the Fromenteau grape added to the region's allure.

The 18th century ushered in progress with improved roads, fostering commerce. Négociant houses rose, intensifying competition. The French Revolution and Napoleonic laws reshaped vineyard ownership, giving rise to négociants and small family-owned wineries.

Classifications became intrinsic to Burgundy's identity. Dr. Jules Lavalle's 1855 book and the 1861 Beaune Committee's formalization set the stage for Grand Cru appellations in 1936. Challenges, from economic depression to World War II, tested Burgundy, but the mid-1950s saw a renaissance, yielding some of the century's finest wines.

Post-war, vignerons returned to neglected vineyards, introducing potassium for soil rejuvenation. A three-decade reliance on chemical fertilizers raised yields, challenging wine quality. Between 1985 and 1995, Burgundian domaines transformed winemaking, resulting in deeper, more complex wines.

Today, Burgundy stands as a testament to resilience and a commitment to terroir-driven excellence. Sipping a Burgundy wine bottle is an immersion in history, an ever-evolving spirit that redefines vinous elegance. The chalice of Burgundian wine holds not just a drink but a journey through time, a celebration of the enduring art of winemaking.

The Famous Terroir of Burgundy, France

Burgundy's 30,000 hectares (74,000 acres) of vineyards, distributed across distinct subregions, yield some of the world's most exclusive wines.

The Côte d'Or - Burgundy's Golden Heartland

At the core of Burgundy lies the Côte d'Or, a 60km escarpment running from southern Dijon to Santenay and Maranges in the south. Divided into the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, this region captivates all wine enthusiasts. The Côte de Nuits, famed for Pinot Noir, includes revered villages like Gevrey-Chambertin and Vosne-Romanée. Meanwhile, the Côte de Beaune, producing both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, boasts appellations like Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet.

Chablis and the Grand Auxerrois

Situated 200km north of Beaujolais, Chablis stands as a unique pocket within Burgundy. Known for its distinctive, mineral Chardonnays, Chablis offers grand and premier crus, along with Petit Chablis. The Grand Auxerrois, including Saint-Bris and Irancy, expands the diversity of wines, making a notable departure from central Burgundy's styles.

Exploring Beyond Tradition

Burgundy's tapestry extends beyond its renowned subregions. From the Yonne department to Dijon, titles like Bourgogne Chitry and Bourgogne Côte Saint-Jacques showcase the region's diversity. Crémant de Bourgogne and Bourgogne Mousseux add effervescence to the line up, while Marc de Bourgogne and Eau-de-Vie de Vin de Bourgogne bring distilled delights.

The wider Burgundy region encompasses IGP titles like Sainte-Marie-la-Blanche and Coteaux de l'Auxois, providing a canvas for winemakers to express their artistry beyond the strict confines of AOC regulations.

“Climats”

The concept of "climats" adds another layer to Burgundy's terroir. These are individual plots of land with specific geological and climatic characteristics, recognized as producing distinctive wines. The climats highlight the importance of micro-terroirs within Burgundy, emphasizing the nuanced differences that can exist even within a single vineyard.

The “Berries”

Pinot Noir - The Red Elegance

Pinot Noir, synonymous with elegance, reigns supreme in Burgundy's red wine domain. Its vines grace the renowned Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, producing wines celebrated for their complexity and subtlety. In the Côte de Nuits, villages like Gevrey-Chambertin and Vosne-Romanée witness the majesty of Pinot Noir, crafting Burgundy wine bottles that age with grace and finesse.

Chardonnay - The White Luminary

On the flip side, Chardonnay emerges as the luminary of Burgundy's white wines. From the slopes of Meursault to Puligny-Montrachet, Chardonnay's expressions vary, from rich and buttery to crisp and mineral-driven. The Côte de Beaune, a bastion of Chardonnay excellence, showcases the prowess of this grape in crafting world-renowned whites.

Burgundy's Unique Sparkle - Crémant de Bourgogne

While Pinot Noir and Chardonnay dominate, Burgundy also produces exceptional sparkling wines under the designation Crémant de Bourgogne. Crafted using the traditional method, these sparkling wines offer a delightful alternative to Champagne, showcasing the region's prowess in producing high-quality bubbly.

Honorable Mentions - Gamay and Aligoté

Yet, amid the aristocracy of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, two varieties carve their niche. Gamay, dismissed by the first Duke of Burgundy in the late 14th century, thrives in Mâcon, contributing to vibrant red and rosé wines. Meanwhile, Aligoté, with its own appellation, Bourgogne Aligoté, imparts its distinct character to the Burgundian mosaic. In the lesser-known corners of Burgundy, Pinot Blanc (or Pinot Gouges) adds a subtle touch. Though in smaller plantings, it leaves its imprint on the terroir of the Côte d'Or.

Savor The Elegance of a Burgundy Wine Bottle

Burgundy's wines are a testament to the region's rich history, diverse terroir, and the meticulous craftsmanship of its winemakers. Whether you're sipping a velvety Pinot Noir or a beautifully balanced Chardonnay, each glass tells a story of centuries-old traditions and the enduring allure of Burgundy's vineyards. So, uncork a Burgundy wine bottle, savor the elegance, and let the wines of Burgundy transport you to a world of unparalleled vinous delight.

Written by: Arabella Maislinger