Speckled with grand châteaux, medieval fortifications and quaint, cobblestoned villages, the rolling hills of the Bourgogne are steeped in history. Burgundy wine is no different; this region has been famed for its viticulture since the sixth century AD.
In a place where wine has such a storied history, it’s little wonder Burgundy wine can be exceedingly complex. Fear not, though. This simple guide will give you the necessary knowledge to dive headfirst into one of the world’s most rewarding wine regions.
Popular Burgundy Wines
While the regional classifications of Burgundy wine can get complicated, understanding the different varietals grown here is pretty simple. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and a few other grapes dominate Burgundy’s vineyards; focus on these, and you won’t go wrong.
Chardonnay
Also known as Bourgogne Blanc (white Burgundy), Chardonnay is, by far, the region’s most commonly grown white. If you’re accustomed to a buttery, rich Chardonnay, prepare for a new experience; Burgundy Chardonnays are generally subtler, carrying crisp notes of apples and pears. While you’ll find this white in most subregions of Burgundy, Chardonnays from the cooler Chablis region are particularly excellent.
Pinot Noir
This wine is so ubiquitous in Burgundy that it’s commonly referred to as Bourgogne Rouge (red Burgundy). Burgundy produces, arguably, the world’s finest Pinot Noir, and excellent examples of this classic grape can be found across the region. Wines labeled Premier Cru or Grand Cru might set you back a pretty penny, but they’re unforgettable. Look out for a fuller-bodied red than the average New World Pinot Noir, with notes of dark fruit and earthy undertones.
Gamay
Grown almost exclusively in the Beaujolais region just south of Burgundy, Gamay is an excellent wine for the Pinot Noir lover looking to branch out. This lighter-bodied red carries a bright acidity alongside the classic Burgundy earthiness characteristic of the region’s other reds.
Sparkling
While far less common than Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, excellent sparkling whites and rosés are also produced in Burgundy. Champagne lovers should venture to the Côte Chalonnaise to taste a slightly different sparkling wine also produced in a traditional style.
Regions
While Burgundy is technically a single wine region, viewing it as such would be an oversimplification. Wine producers here are fanatics about terroir, the myriad properties of each patch of soil that make every vineyard and vintage so unique. While memorizing each region’s dozens of appellations and microclimates could stymie even the most diligent sommelier, learning more about these five subregions will serve you well as you delve into Burgundy wine.
Chablis
Burgundy’s northernmost subregion has a notably cooler climate than the others, lending itself well to white wine production. Look out for bright, floral Chardonnays that reflect the region’s crisp ai
Côte d’Or
Further south, the sun shines brighter, nurturing vineyards bursting with full-bodied, fruit-forward Pinot Noir. With dozens of Premier and Grand Cru appellations, this is the perfect region to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime wine.
Côte Chalonnaise
While it might not carry the prestige of its neighbor to the north, this subregion produces excellent wines for a fraction of the price. Pinot Noir is excellent here, and sparkling wine lovers will delight in the only subregion where bubbly is readily found.
Mâconnais
Crossing from Côte Chalonnaise into Mâconnais feels like crossing an invisible border into southern Europe; the climate gets notably warmer, and Mediterranean-style cottages crop up left and right. The bright sun produces much richer Chardonnays than those typically found in Chablis; expect more oaky, buttery wines akin to those from Napa or Sonoma.
Beaujolais
While technically just south of Burgundy, this subregion bordering the Mâconnais is worth a detour. The homeland of Gamay, this area is a perfect destination for the wine lover in search of a light-bodied red.
Drinking Wine in Burgundy
While Burgundy is just two hours from Paris, it feels a world apart; the entire region is a latticework of castles, villages and vineyards dating back hundreds of years. Burgundy’s provincialism, though, is part of its charm. Good-natured rivalries between neighboring vineyards spur the production of exceptional wines that differ drastically from one town to the next. Over the span of a few miles, the discerning wine lover can taste a world’s worth of subtle flavors.
While a car or guided tour makes wine tasting in Burgundy a breeze, a bike tour is an excellent alternative for the active traveler. The Véloroute from Beaune to Santenay was designed specifically for cyclists. It’s well marked and offers fantastic views. Or join Backroads on our popular Burgundy Bike Tour, a six-day journey through the very best of this special region, including exclusive wine tastings with local experts and nights spent in some of Burgundy’s finest chateaux and hotels.
While a car or guided tour makes wine tasting in Burgundy a breeze, a bike tour is an excellent alternative for the active traveler. The Véloroute from Beaune to Santenay was designed specifically for cyclists. It’s well marked and offers fantastic views. Or join Backroads on our popular Burgundy Bike Tour, a six-day journey through the very best of this special region, including exclusive wine tastings with local experts and nights spent in some of Burgundy’s finest chateaux and hotels.
Travel to Burgundy with Backroads
Backroads offers numerous ways to experience the very best of Burgundy and the whole country of France on one of our award-winning active travel adventures. Explore this country in the best and most genuine way possible - away from the crowds, buses and tourist hot spots. We hope you'll join us! Check out our Burgundy Bike Tour or peruse our full list of France adventures here.
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