Burgundy

While Burgundy never quite realised its political ambitions of becoming a kingdom, it has unquestionably claimed the crown when it comes to red and white wine. The region is divided into five key sub-regions: Chablis in the Yonne; Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune in the Côte d’Or; and Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais in the Saône-et-Loire.

The world’s most famous white grape may have originated in Burgundy, a Chardonnay village near Mâcon. The region’s Chardonnay wines range from the vibrant, unoaked styles of Chablis and the Mâconnais to the richer, more structured examples of the Côte de Beaune, especially from Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, and Chassagne-Montrachet. Burgundy’s slope-based classification system reflects its complexity: Wines from the flatter land are labelled Bourgogne Blanc. As elevation rises, so does prestige: first to village-level wines, then to Premier Cru (e.g. Les Charmes), and finally Grand Cru (e.g. Le Montrachet).

While excellent wines can be found in the Côte Chalonnaise (notably Mercurey and Givry), the Côte d’Or is the spiritual heart of red Burgundy. Pinot Noir reaches extraordinary heights in villages such as Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey-Saint-Denis, Chambolle-Musigny, Vosne-Romanée, and Nuits-Saint-Georges. These are wines of purity, complexity, and ageability. In the Côte de Beaune, reds from Volnay are known for their elegance and finesse, while those from neighbouring Pommard tend to be more powerful and structured.

Long considered the preserve of connoisseurs, Burgundy is now wide open to curious drinkers. A new wave of dynamic, quality-driven producers is rewriting old rules and bringing fresh energy to the region. Whether exploring lesser-known villages or rediscovering classics with a modern touch, Burgundy today is more accessible and rewarding than ever.