Burgundy

Learn More About Burgundy

Where is Burgundy?

Stretching for around 250km through eastern France, Burgundy (Bourgogne) is a patchwork of vineyards that follows the Saône valley from Chablis in the north to Mâcon in the south. Rather than one uniform region, Burgundy is made up of several distinct areas, each with its own climate, soils and style.

The region is split into five key sub-regions: Chablis, the Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais. Together, they produce everything from silky, earthy Grand Cru reds to brilliant vibrant, steely whites, with thousands of individual vineyard sites contributing their own unique character.

What Makes Burgundy So Special?

Few wine regions place more importance on terroir than Burgundy. Tiny differences in slope, elevation and soil composition can dramatically change the flavour of a wine, even between neighbouring vineyards.

The region is dominated by just two grape varieties: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Chardonnay ranges from crisp, mineral-driven wines in Chablis to rich, textured whites from villages such as Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet. Pinot Noir produces fragrant reds that favour elegance, perfume and complexity over sheer power.

Burgundy's vineyard hierarchy also sets it apart. Wines are classified from Regional and Village level through Premier Cru to the legendary Grand Cru vineyards, many of which have been recognised for centuries as some of the finest sites on earth.

Climate, Soils & Winemaking

Burgundy has a cool continental climate, with warm summers, cold winters and the ever-present risk of spring frost and hail. These challenging conditions help preserve freshness and acidity, while long growing seasons allow flavours to develop gradually.

The region's limestone-rich soils are a defining feature, although clay, marl and chalk vary from village to village, creating remarkable diversity. Winemakers generally take a restrained approach, aiming to showcase each vineyard rather than the hand of the winemaker. Oak is often used thoughtfully to add texture and complexity without overwhelming the fruit.

The result is wines with incredible precision, elegance and an unmistakable sense of place. Whether it's a steely Chablis, a creamy Côte de Beaune Chardonnay or a beautifully perfumed Pinot Noir from the Côte de Nuits, Burgundy remains the benchmark against which many of the world's finest wines are judged.