Sub-region names to know
Do you know your Chablis from your Côte Chalonnaise? Burgundy is one of the world’s most prestigious wine regions. Located in central-eastern France, it stretches from around Chablis in the north all the way down to the Mâconnais in the south. Here, we look at the key sub-regions along the way.
Chablis
Chablis lies further north than the rest of Burgundy, located about halfway between Beaune and Paris. The wines here – exclusively whites from Chardonnay – differ in style from other white Burgundies: they tend towards steeliness and flintiness.
Côte de Nuits
The northern half of the Côte d’Or, the Côte de Nuits produces mostly red wines from Pinot Noir. Most of Burgundy’s red Grands Crus are here, along with many of its most prestigious red Premiers Crus. The village of Gevrey-Chambertin alone has nine Grands Crus. There are many high-quality village-level names to seek out here, too.
Côte de Beaune
This is the southern part of the Côte d’Or. The villages of Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet are the heartland of Chardonnay – and home to most of Burgundy’s white Grands Crus. The famous Hill of Corton is also here, where mostly red wines are produced.
Côte Chalonnaise
Often overlooked, this particular côte offers a choice of attractive red and white wines at affordable prices. Here, you’ll find the under-the-radar communes of Mercurey, Montagny and Rully, along with Bouzeron – a village appellation dedicated solely to the Aligoté grape.
Mâconnais
The Mâconnais is now among Burgundy’s most dynamic regions. This is white-wine territory; Chardonnay makes up around 80% of the overall plantings. There are exciting wines produced throughout the region, though the best come from Pouilly-Fuissé and its environs.
