Burgundy

Contents

Lay of the Land
Climate
The Grapes of Burgundy
The Modern AOP System in Burgundy
Vin de Pays (IGP) in Burgundy
The History of Burgundy: Monks, Germans, and Legionnaires
The History of Burgundy: Era of the Valois Dukes (1363-1477)
The History of Burgundy: the Climats of Burgundy and Evolving Meaningo
The History of Burgundy: Fragmentation
Domaines and the Négociant
Post-Phylloxera Vineyard Architecture
The Vigneron's Struggle
Replanting and Vine Selection
Modern Winemaking Practices
Chablis
The Côte d'Or
Côte de Nuits: Village Appellations
Côte de Beaune: The Hill of Corton
Côte de Beaune: Village Appellations
Côte Chalonnaise
Mâconnais
Beaujolais
The Crus of Beaujolais

Burgundy (Bourgogne) is a holy grail for wine geeks: a region impossible to master, impenetrable to the casual observer, and endlessly fascinating. A simple premise—red Burgundy is generally Pinot Noir and white Burgundy is generally Chardonnay—belies a maze of appellations, fractured vineyards, scores of variable producers, and erratic vintage swings. Just getting the right information can be a chore: the vignerons (winegrowers) of Burgundy are an insular lot, and will not readily impart their wisdom and experience to outsiders—and even they are rarely experts beyond the walls of their own domaines or the confines of their own communes. A vigneron in Meursault is unlikely to know much about the vineyards of Morey-St-Denis, and vice versa. To a new student of Burgundy, keep in mind that understanding in this region is a lifelong pursuit. For seasoned Burgundy drinkers, the following guide provides a thorough look at the evolution of winemaking and viticulture in the region, and concludes with detailed notes on each commune and appellation.

Note: Unless specifically stated, production and planting statistics throughout this guide do not include the sector of Beaujolais in the Rhône département. Burgundy statistics