Where terroir speaks loudest
Burgundy
France
Region Details
Climate
Continental, cold winters, warm summers
Soil
Limestone, marl, clay
Varietals
4 key grapes
Sub-regions
4 areas
Wine styles
Key varietals
Wine Heritage
History of Burgundy
"Where terroir speaks loudest"
Cistercian monks pioneered the study of terroir here in the Middle Ages, carefully mapping which plots produced the finest wines. The French Revolution broke up monastic holdings, creating the patchwork of small family domaines that characterizes the region today.
About Burgundy
Burgundy is the spiritual home of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, where terroir-obsessed winemakers coax extraordinary complexity from small, meticulously classified plots. No region better demonstrates how soil and site shape wine.
Terroir
Burgundy's genius lies in its classification of climats—individual vineyard plots, each with unique characteristics. The slope of the Côte d'Or creates perfect drainage and sun exposure, while limestone subsoils provide the minerality that defines Burgundian wines.
Flavor Profile
Sub-regions
Côte de Nuits
Grand Cru Pinot Noir, powerful
Côte de Beaune
Grand Cru Chardonnay, elegant
Chablis
Chardonnay, mineral, crisp
Beaujolais
Gamay, fruity, fresh