The Burgundy Wine Region of France
Few regions in the world express the concept of terroir quite like Burgundy, France.
In fact, Burgundy’s vineyards are so valued that UNESCO declared them a World Heritage Site.
Here, there are more appellations (AOCs) than in any other French wine region. Like the rest of the country, Burgundy’s classification and labeling system celebrates each vineyard’s unique character, not just the name on the bottle.
Burgundy is famous for refined reds and whites made with careful craftsmanship, representing centuries of French tradition.
• Burgundy has 84 total appellations (7 Régionale, 44 Village, 33 Grand Cru)
• The Burgundy wine region is about ~31,582 km² (12,194 sq mi), with ~30,000 hectares of vineyards
• In 2023, Burgundy produced about 1.9 million hectoliters of wine (~253 million bottles)
• Burgundy actually produces more white wine than red (61% white, 27% red, 12% Crémant de Bourgogne)
• La Romanée Grand Cru (0.85 hectares, Vosne-Romanée) is Burgundy’s smallest AOC
Ready to deepen your understanding of Burgundy? This is your guide to the history, terroir, and notable subregions.
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Burgundy: A Dense, Diverse French Wine Region
Geographically, Burgundy sits in east-central France, about 98 miles southeast of Paris. But “Burgundy” is more of a historical and cultural region made up of many small vineyard zones.
Because of this, Burgundy is not one single, neatly drawn area. It stretches in a jagged line from Chablis in the north to the Mâconnais near Lyon.
Together, these vineyards form one of the most celebrated wine landscapes in the world.
Burgundy History
Wine has been part of Burgundy’s story for over two thousand years.
The Romans planted the first vines, likely following the Celts, who were already fermenting wild grapes.
By the 11th century, Cistercian and Benedictine monks discovered that even small changes in soil or slope could transform a wine’s flavor. So they began mapping vineyard plots, which created the foundation for Burgundy’s famous climat system.
In 1936, Burgundy became one of the first regions to adopt the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system, protecting its names and traditions.
After World War II, some growers turned to high-yield, chemical farming to survive, which hurt the quality of their grapes. But by the 1980s and ’90s a new generation restored quality through careful, sustainable practices.
Today, that legacy continues in wines prized for their elegance and sense of terroir.
Understanding Burgundy’s Terroir
Burgundy’s magic begins with its soils, which are mostly limestone and clay (called marl). These layers were once part of an ancient seabed, giving vines access to minerals that add texture and freshness.
The region has cold winters, mild springs, and relatively dry summers. Average summer highs reach the upper 70s °F (mid-20s °C). Yearly rainfall averages around 740 mm (29 inches).
Yet even within short distances, soil depth and sun exposure shift dramatically, creating an incredible network of microclimates.
How Burgundy Is Organized
Burgundy’s AOC hierarchy is unique because it classifies the land itself, not the producer.
In Burgundy, a land distinction is called a climat — a named vineyard plot with defined borders, unique soil, and climate, which is legally recognized as part of Burgundy’s AOC system.
With that, there are four main tiers of wine style:
• Regional AOCs: The most accessible level. These wines are blended from grapes across large areas, such as Bourgogne Rouge, Bourgogne Blanc, or Crémant de Bourgogne.
• Village AOCs: From grapes grown around a specific village or commune (like Chablis or Mâcon-Villages). They reflect local character and are a great introduction to Burgundy’s diversity.
◦ Premier Cru (not a separate AOC but contained inside a village AOC): Wines from exceptional vineyard plots within a village labeled as “1er Cru.” There are about 666 of these sites, making up roughly 10% of total vineyards in Burgundy.
• Grand Cru AOC: The highest tier; small sites recognized for exceptional quality and character, such as Grands-Échezeaux and Montrachet. Grand Cru accounts for only about 1% of total production, yet 60% of it is Pinot Noir. These wines are rare and highly sought after worldwide by investors and collectors.
At the heart of this system lies the Côte d’Or, or “Golden Slope.” This narrow, east-facing ridge is home to the most famous vineyards, divided into two halves:
• Côte de Nuits: Known mainly for powerful, age-worthy red wines made from Pinot Noir.
• Côte de Beaune: Famous for elegant whites and reds.
Burgundy’s Wine Grape Varieties
Unlike other French regions like Bordeaux or Champagne, Burgundy focuses on single-grape wines (rather than blends). While blends do exist, the focus on one grape per bottle helps highlight the character of each climat for a clearer expression of terroir.
While there are several grape varieties in Burgundy, these are the most notable:
• Pinot Noir – The region’s signature red grape and the heart of its reputation. It produces elegant, aromatic wines that reflect their origin (from bright, silky village bottles to structured Grand Crus). Pinot Noir covers about one-third of Burgundy’s vineyards, especially thriving in the Côte de Nuits. It is also labeled “Bourgogne Rouge” at the regional level.
• Chardonnay – The most planted grape, responsible for Burgundy’s world-class whites. Styles range from the lean, mineral Chablis to the fuller, nutty wines of the Côte de Beaune. (Regional wines are often labeled “Bourgogne Blanc.”)
• Aligoté – Burgundy’s lively, high-acid white grape, showing citrus and green apple notes. Its finest expression is in Bouzeron, the only village AOC dedicated to Aligoté.
• Gamay – Once banned from the Côte d’Or by Duke of Burgundy (Philippe the Bold) this undervalued variety now flourishes in southern Burgundy as well as Beaujolais, making juicy reds with bright fruit notes and gentle tannins.
Burgundy Subregions
Burgundy has 5 distinct subregions you should know:
• Chablis: Northernmost Burgundy, known for crisp, mineral-driven Chardonnay shaped by fossilized seashell soils.
• Côte de Nuits: South of Dijon, home to world-renowned Pinot Noir.
• Côte de Beaune: Continuing south, produces exceptional Chardonnay.
• Côte Chalonnaise: Offers value and variety with fruity reds and approachable whites.
• Mâconnais: Warmest of the five, known for soft, sunny Chardonnays.
Let’s look at each one in depth (with maps):
Chablis is the northernmost sub-region of Burgundy, centred around the town of Chablis in the Yonne département.
The Cistercian monks of the abbey at Pontigny (founded 1114) developed much of the early vineyard map. The Chablis AOC was formally recognised by decree in 1938.
The soils are largely Jurassic-age Kimmeridgian limestone and marl full of fossilised sea life. On higher or outer slopes you’ll also find younger Portlandian limestone.
The climate is cool and semi-continental, with a risk of spring frost and generally slower ripening. This helps preserve the high natural acidity (a hallmark of Chablis wines).
Key Grapes & Wine Styles
Here only white wines are made, exclusively from the Chardonnay grape (sometimes labelled with the local term “Beaunois”).
The Chablis region has three AOCs: Petit Chablis, Chablis, and Chablis Grand Cru. Within the Chablis AOC, certain vineyards are classified as Premier Cru (higher-quality designations but not separate AOCs).
Wines from Chablis are typically lean, higher in acidity, and mineral-rich. Oak use is minimal in many cases, though for Premier Cru and Grand Cru wines some producers do use barrels.
Notable Subregions & Producers
Chablis has multiple Grand Cru climats (all situated on a single southwest-facing slope along the Serein river).
Some important producers are:
• La Chablisienne - Historic cooperative producing, among other things, Grenouilles Grand Cru.
• Domaine Raveneau - A benchmark traditionalist estate in Chablis.
The Côte de Nuits occupies the northern half of the famed Côte d’Or ridge in Burgundy, stretching about 20 km from just south of Dijon down toward Corgoloin.
It is internationally renowned for its red wines made from Pinot Noir and contains a very high concentration of Burgundy’s finest Grand Cru vineyards.
Côte de Nuits vineyards lie on a narrow east- to southeast-facing slope of Jurassic limestone and marl. Subtle fault lines and changes in soil yield strikingly different wines even over short distances. The climate is continental with risk of spring frost and hail, which contributes to vintage variation (and the need for meticulous viticulture).
Key Grapes & Wine Styles
• Pinot Noir is by far the dominant grape in the Côte de Nuits. It is used almost exclusively for its red wines.
• Small amounts of Chardonnay and Aligoté are planted, though they are very secondary in this sub-region.
• The appellation of Marsannay (within Côte de Nuits) uniquely produces red (Pinot Noir), white (Chardonnay) and rosé wines — a rare feature in this high-end region.
Notable Subregions & Producers
Côte de Nuits has 24 Grand Cru vineyards.
Some notable producers include:
• Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (Vosne-Romanée)
• Domaine Armand Rousseau (Gevrey-Chambertin)
• Comte Georges de Vogüé (Chambolle-Musigny)
• Domaine Dujac (Morey-Saint-Denis)
Love Côte de Nuits? Get a high-quality map of this famous subregion for study and travel.
Recognized as a Chianti DOCG subzone in 1932, Colli Fiorentini lies closest to Florence and was historically known for producing vino cittadino — the “city wine” of Florence.
The local growers organized the Consorzio Chianti Colli Fiorentini in 1994 to oversee quality. By 2004, it received official recognition from Italy’s Ministry of Agriculture.
Terroir and Climate
Vines in Colli Fiorentini grow at 150 to 400 meters above sea level. Many are planted on southeast- and southwest-facing slopes, catching spring sun and ripening grapes evenly into autumn. The climate is temperate, with reliable rainfall across the year.
The soils are a mix of compact clay and limestone with plenty of other stones. This holds heat and drains well.
These factors combine to produce grapes with both ripeness and freshness, yielding aromatic wines that are highly approachable.
Wine Styles and Character
Colli Fiorentini wines are generally medium-bodied, structured, and lifted by bright red fruit and floral notes. Labels may include Chianti Superiore and Chianti Riserva, alongside other Tuscan IGT bottlings like Rosso, Bianco, or Rosato.
Some producers experiment with modern approaches, such as aging in barrique or even terracotta amphorae.
Notable Wineries
One standout producer in Colli Fiorentini is Fattoria San Michele a Torri, which sits in the hills of Scandicci, just southwest of Florence. The estate spans roughly 75 hectares in Chianti Colli Fiorentini and another 15 in Chianti Classico. This allows the winery to produce wines with both DOCG labels.
The Côte de Beaune forms the southern half of the famous Côte d’Or ridge in Burgundy. It stretches roughly from Ladoix-Serrigny/Aloxe-Corton in the north down to Maranges in the south.
This area is best known for its refined whites from Chardonnay (especially Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, and Meursault) and graceful reds from Pinot Noir in Beaune, Pommard, and Volnay.
The vineyards rest on Jurassic-era limestone and clay slopes facing east and southeast toward the Saône plain. Subtle shifts in soil, drainage, and exposure give each village its own style. The continental climate brings sunshine but also risks of frost, hail, and vintage variation, adding to the region’s distinctive character.
Key Grapes & Notable Wine Styles
• Pinot Noir: The primary red grape of Côte de Beaune, producing wines of finesse and elegance in villages like Beaune, Pommard, and Volnay.
• Chardonnay: Dominant for white wines here, ranging from the taut, mineral-focused expressions of Puligny/Chassagne to richer, fuller styles in Meursault.
• Grand Cru whites: Home to some of the world’s greatest whites (e.g., the Montrachet family).
• Grand Cru red: The only red Grand Cru in this half of the Côte d’Or is Corton.
Notable Vineyards & Producers
There are 8 grand cru climats in Côte de Beaune.
Notable Producers include:
• Puligny-Montrachet - A village in the Côte de Beaune famed for its elegant white Chardonnays.
• Meursault - A commune in Côte de Beaune known for rich, full-bodied white Burgundies predominantly from Chardonnay.
• Domaine des Comtes Lafon - Acclaimed producer across Côte de Beaune whites.
• Bouchard Père & Fils - Historic négociant house with deep roots in the region.
The Côte Chalonnaise lies just south of the Côte de Beaune, running through rolling hills from roughly Chagny toward the Saône plain. However, the landscape is more dispersed than the single ridge of the Côte d’Or.
The terroir features Jurassic‐aged marl and limestone soils on east/southeast-facing slopes. The semi-continental climate brings frost and hail risk, again creating vintage variation.
Key Grape Varieties & Wine Styles
• Pinot Noir is the dominant red grape of the region, producing wines that range from fruit‐forward village styles to deeper, richer reds.
• Chardonnay is the principal white grape, offering fresh, mineral‐tinged whites.
• Aligoté plays a special role: Bouzeron is the only communal AOC in Burgundy dedicated solely to Aligoté.
• The region is also historically a production area for Crémant de Bourgogne (Burgundy’s sparkling wine), especially in Rully.
Notable Vineyards & Producers
There are no Grand Cru vineyards in Côte Chalonnaise.
Côte Chalonnaise hosts five key communal AOCs:
• Bouzeron – The unique communal AOC for Aligoté. Domaine A. & P. de Villaine is a key producer in the area.
• Mercurey – The largest volume communal AOC in the Côte Chalonnaise, largely producing red wines from Pinot Noir. Château de Chamirey is a key producer.
• Rully – Produces red, white, and sparkling wines. Many quality examples come from Domaine Dureuil‑Janthial.
• Givry – Known for elegant reds, anecdotally known as the favorite wine of King Henri IV.
• Montagny – Exclusively white wines (Chardonnay), and rising in recognition for value and finesse.
Mâconnais sits at the southernmost edge of Burgundy, nestled among rolling hills and limestone cliffs such as the iconic Roche de Solutré.
It is best known for its white wines made from Chardonnay, although red wines from Gamay and Pinot Noir also appear.
The terroir features Jurassic clay-limestone and marl strata, and the climate is warmer and sunnier than in more northerly Burgundy, helping grapes ripen more fully.
Notably in 2020, the AOC of Pouilly-Fuissé, with 22 climats, was granted its first Premier Cru status (the first such upgrade in Burgundy since 1943).
Key Grapes & Wine Styles
• Chardonnay dominates the region, producing wines that range from fresh and crisp to rich and mineralic.
• Gamay (and some Pinot Noir) are planted in parts of Mâconnais, especially for reds and rosés labelled as Mâcon or Mâcon-Villages.
Notable Vineyards & Producers
• Pouilly-Fuissé - Now with 22 official Premier Cru climats across the communes of Fuissé, Solutré-Pouilly, Vergisson, and Chaintré.
• Château de Fuissé and Domaine Ferret are benchmark houses in Pouilly-Fuissé.
• Quality growers include la Soufrandière (Bret Brothers) and Saumaize-Michelin, noted for strong Mâconnais whites.
• Bouzeron (though on the border) and other appellations such as Pouilly-Loché, Pouilly-Vinzelles, and Viré-Clessé each support notable vineyards accessible to the U.S. market.
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Learn More About Burgundy and Other Wine Regions
In the Burgundy region, soil, slope, climate, and human care come together to create wine that speaks of a single place. With over 84 appellations crafting unique reds and whites, Burgundy offers rich rewards for the curious learner and the enthusiast.
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