The History of Wine in Burgundy
Burgundy’s relationship with wine stretches back over two millennia, making it one of the oldest wine regions in France. The first vines were likely planted by the Celts before the Roman invasion. However, it was the Romans who popularised the winemaking practices in the region around the 1st century AD.
The influence of the Christian Church became pivotal in the Middle Ages, particularly through the work of monastic orders like the Cistercians and Cluny. The monks meticulously tended the vineyards and produced wine for religious purposes, but their rigorous documentation and advanced viticulture techniques laid the foundation for modern winemaking.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Burgundy wine became a commodity for trade, gaining popularity among the nobility and even crossing borders. This period also saw the establishment of some of the most iconic vineyards and wineries, which still hold high esteem today.
The 19th century brought challenges such as phylloxera and mildew, devastating the vineyards. However, the region rebounded through innovations like grafting vines onto resistant rootstock.
The 20th century saw further challenges, including two World Wars and economic depression. Yet, Burgundy persevered and even expanded its global reputation.
Today, Burgundy stands as a symbol of excellence in the wine world, where tradition and innovation coexist. The region is revered for its terroir-driven wines, mainly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which express the nuances of each unique plot of land.
The Geography of Burgundy
Burgundy, a renowned wine region in eastern France, is celebrated for its extraordinary terroir, which plays a pivotal role in the distinctiveness of its wines. Let’s delve into the key geographical aspects:
- Terroir: Terroir is a French term that encapsulates the environmental factors that influence the characteristics of wine, including soil, topography, and climate. In Burgundy, the concept of terroir is deeply revered and is considered fundamental in understanding the region’s wines. Each vineyard, or “climat” as they are locally known, has a unique terroir that imparts distinct flavors and qualities to the wine.
- Climate: Burgundy has a continental climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. This climate is crucial for the growth of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the primary grape varieties in the region. The weather can be quite variable, with risks of frost in spring and hail in summer, which adds a layer of complexity and unpredictability to the winemaking process.
- Soil Composition: The soils of Burgundy are incredibly diverse, a factor that greatly influences the flavor profiles of its wines. The northern part, including Chablis, is known for its Kimmeridgian limestone, rich in marine fossils, imparting a distinct minerality to the wines. Moving south, limestone remains a dominant feature in the Côte d’Or, with variations in clay, marl, and other minerals. This diversity is reflected in the subtle differences between wines produced from neighboring vineyards.
- Topography: The landscape of Burgundy is marked by rolling hills, which are crucial for grape cultivation. The slopes ensure adequate drainage and optimal exposure to sunlight, which is vital for the ripening of grapes. The orientation of the slopes, their altitude, and the positioning of vineyards also play a significant role in the microclimate experienced by each vineyard.
The combination of these geographical factors contributes to the highly esteemed and complex wines of Burgundy. Each element, from the soil composition to the microclimates created by the topography, works in harmony to produce wines that are not only reflective of their specific “climat” but also of the larger Burgundy region. This deep connection between the wine and its origin is what makes Burgundy a fascinating and revered wine region.
Burgundy Appellations
The Burgundy AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) system is a complex and highly detailed classification system that governs the production and labeling of wines from the Burgundy region in France. Here’s a breakdown of its classifications:
- Regional Appellations: These are the most basic level of the Burgundy AOC system. Wines labeled under these appellations can be made from grapes grown anywhere in Burgundy. Examples include Bourgogne Rouge, Bourgogne Blanc, and Bourgogne Aligoté.
- Village Appellations: These wines are produced from grapes grown within the limits of a single village or commune in Burgundy. The name of the village usually appears on the label. Examples include Gevrey-Chambertin, Pommard, and Meursault.
- Premier Cru (1er Cru) Appellations: These wines come from specific vineyard areas within a village that have been recognized for their higher quality. The label will often list both the village and the specific vineyard. For example, Meursault Charmes Premier Cru comes from the Charmes vineyard in the village of Meursault.
- Grand Cru Appellations: This is the highest classification in Burgundy. Grand Cru wines are produced from small, specific vineyard parcels that have been identified for producing the region’s finest wines. These wines carry the vineyard name alone on the label, such as Romanée-Conti, Chambertin, or Montrachet.
- Sub-Regional Appellations: Some appellations cover areas larger than a village but smaller than the entire Burgundy region. These are often used for specific types of wine, like Crémant de Bourgogne (a sparkling wine) or Bourgogne Passetoutgrains (a blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay).
Each level of the AOC system in Burgundy is designed to give consumers a clear idea of what to expect in terms of the wine’s origin and quality. The system reflects the region’s terroir-driven approach to winemaking, where the specific location where the grapes are grown is believed to have a significant impact on the wine’s character. This intricate classification system is a key part of Burgundy’s wine heritage and is a testament to the region’s long-standing commitment to quality and tradition in winemaking.
Grape Varieties in Burgundy
In Burgundy, the viticultural landscape is dominated by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which are responsible for the region’s esteemed red and white wines. Complementing these are Aligoté, yielding more austere whites, and Gamay, producing exuberantly fruity reds.
Pinot Noir
- Characteristics: Pinot Noir, the iconic red grape of Burgundy, is prized for its ability to reflect its terroir. It typically produces wines that are light to medium-bodied, with a complex aroma palette that can include red fruits (like cherry and raspberry), earthy notes, and, as it ages, gamey and spicy nuances.
- Cultivation: Pinot Noir is a notoriously challenging grape to cultivate. It prefers the limestone-rich soils of Burgundy and requires careful attention due to its susceptibility to various diseases and its thin skin, which makes it vulnerable to weather variations.
- Expression in Burgundy: In Burgundy, Pinot Noir achieves a balance of elegance and complexity. Each sub-region, from the Côte de Nuits to the Côte de Beaune, imparts different nuances, reflecting the subtle variations in terroir. The best examples are renowned for their ability to age gracefully, developing increased complexity over time.
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£76.50Brother and sister Guillaume and Sarah Glantenay are the sixth generation of their family to run this domaine, which they took over from their father, Pierre, in 2013. Pierre still works the estate’s eight hectares of vineyard, four of which are in Volnay, while Guillaume runs the new cuverie and […]
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£167.99This magnificent 9th century property is also known as ‘Château Philippe le Hardi’, named after the first Duke of Burgundy. Philippe le Hardi received his duchy from his father, the King of France, and became famous for banning the cultivation of Gamay in the Côte d‘Or, saying in his edict […]
Chardonnay
- Characteristics: Chardonnay, Burgundy’s white gem, is versatile but particularly shines in this region. It typically displays flavors ranging from green apple and lemon in cooler sites to more tropical notes in warmer ones, often accompanied by a signature minerality and, when aged in oak, a creamy, buttery texture.
- Cultivation: Chardonnay is less finicky than Pinot Noir and adapts well to various climates. However, its best expression in Burgundy comes from limestone and clay soils, which contribute to its minerality and depth.
- Expression in Burgundy: In Burgundy, Chardonnay varies from the unoaked, mineral-driven wines of Chablis to the richer, oak-aged styles of the Côte de Beaune. The region showcases the grape’s ability to transmit terroir and respond to winemaking techniques, producing wines with a wide range of styles and complexities.
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£25.99Given the tiny harvests and soaring prices Chablis has experienced over recent years, we are especially pleased to be working with Bernard Michaut based in Biene and were blown away with the quality of his Chablis at tasting. His 60 hectares of vineyards are grown on the celebrated soil of [...] -
£48.99Stéphane Aladame’s organic estate in Montagny is one of the stars of the Côte Chalonnaise. Stéphane began from scratch in 1992, at the age of 18 and has since earned an outstanding reputation thanks to his commitment, almost exclusively, to Premier Cru vineyards. Today, his bottles grace the tables of […]
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£45.99Domaine Borgeot is situated in the village of Rémigny in the Côte de Beaune. Created in 1903, it is now run by the fourth generation of the Borgeot family: brothers Laurent and Pascal. Their 23 hectares of sustainably-farmed vineyards are in the villages of Bouzeron, Santenay, Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet. The […]
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£49.50Domaine Chevalier was established in 1850 by Émile Dubois. Émile’s daughter Marcelle and his son-in-law Émile Chevalier inherited the estate after the First World War. Today, Claude Chevalier, the grandson of Émile, heads up the domaine, with his two daughters Julie and Chloé working alongside him. Chloé is now responsible […]
Gamay
Characteristics: Gamay, primarily associated with Beaujolais just south of Burgundy, is known for producing red wines that are light, fruity, and easy to drink. It typically showcases flavors of red berries, cherries, and hints of violet, with a relatively low tannin content and vibrant acidity, making it an approachable wine for various occasions.
Cultivation: Gamay thrives in granite-based soils, particularly in the Beaujolais region, where it is most extensively planted. Its ability to ripen early makes it less susceptible to the challenges posed by Burgundy’s cooler climate. The grape is known for its vigorous growth, requiring careful vineyard management to control yields and concentrate flavors.
Expression in Burgundy: While Beaujolais is often considered a distinct entity, it is officially part of the broader Burgundy region. Here, Gamay expresses a range of styles, from the light and refreshing Beaujolais Nouveau, released just weeks after harvest, to the more structured and complex wines of the Beaujolais Crus. These wines can offer deeper flavors and the capacity to age, showcasing the grape’s versatility and the region’s ability to produce distinctive expressions of Gamay.
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£21.99The appellation of Morgon is situated entirely within the parish of Villie-Morgon where the soil sets its wines apart from the other ‘Crus’ since the percentage of sand and shale is higher here due to the particular way in which the local schist layers have weathered. Consequently the wines are […]
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£15.99Bequeathing its name from Amor, a Roman Legionnaire who took refuge in the area after refusing to fight the Christians, and long since associated with love and romance, Saint-Amour, with its mixture of granite, schist and clay produces both soft, floral, fruit driven wines and more powerful complex wines that […]
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£17.50Six villages have the privilege of sharing this subtle and enchanting cru. It is the most southerly of all the Beaujolais Crus and typically has good colour, backbone and is full-bodied revealing aromas of plums and peaches. Henry Fessy’s domaine contains 7.5 hectares of Brouilly vineyards. This wine is very […]
Burgundy’s Wine Regions
Embarking on a journey through Burgundy’s wine regions unveils a rich mosaic of terroirs, each narrating its own story through the vines. This revered wine country, nestled in the heart of France, is a patchwork of meticulously cultivated vineyards, where the art of viticulture has been refined over centuries. From the limestone-rich soils of the Côte d’Or, splitting into the renowned Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, to the ancient, Kimmeridgian limestone of Chablis; from the sun-drenched slopes of Mâconnais to the vibrant, granite-infused vineyards of Beaujolais, Burgundy is a testament to diversity and complexity.
Côte d’Or
Côte de Nuits
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£119.99Jean-Claude Boisset is a family-owned wine company founded in 1961, with their first parcel located in Gevrey-Chambertin. Today the company is based in Les Ursulines, a former convent in Nuits-Saint-Georges and is run by brother and sister duo Jean-Charles and Nathalie Boisset. In 2018, they opened a new state-of-the-art winery, […]
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£77.50Domaine du Château Philippe le Hardi (formerly Château de Santenay) was once the majestic stately home of the first Duke of Burgundy. Philippe le Hardi received his duchy from his father, the King of France, and became famous for banning the cultivation of Gamay in the Côte d’Or, saying in […]
Côte de Beaune
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£72.50Exotic, beguiling white Burgundy, bursting with ripe tropical fruit, including pineapple and guava, balanced by a concentrated jet of lime-flavoured acidity and a fragrance of spicy oak.
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£38.50Maillard Père et Fils are a moderately-sized family producer based in Chorey-Les Beaune, with 19 hectares across a number of appellations including Corton, Beaune and Aloxe Corton. All their vineyards are farmed organically, although are not certified. Chorey-les-Beaune is quite a flat region just on the outskirts of Beaune, with […]
Chablis
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£28.99Winemaker Jean-François Bordet can trace his family history back to 1590 in Chablis, which makes his one of the oldest winemaking families in the region. The estate is made up of 24 hectares, which lie on the right bank of the Serein river with a south and south-east exposition. The […]
Mâconnais
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£26.50For the last 140 years, Maison Joseph Drouhin has been in the hands of the Drouhin family. Today, the fourth generation is at the helm, and driven by the same passion that inspired the founder of the company; an ideal of perfection and elegance. Using only natural products in the […]
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£19.99Until 2005, the Perraud family was one of many making their living from growing grapes for the local co-operative. Encouraged by his parents at the age of 24, Jean-Christophe Perraud began to make and bottle wine from the family’s 30 hectares of Bourgogne, Mâcon and Saint-Véran vineyards, all of which […]
Beaujolais
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This family-run winery based just north of Fleurie dates back to the early 1900s and has been run by current Winemaker Dominique Morel since 1967. Dominique’s philosophy is to make wines he likes to drink, with plenty of fruit, a good colour and a rounded mouthfeel. Dominique has 18 hectares […]
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Six villages have the privilege of sharing this subtle and enchanting cru. It is the most southerly of all the Beaujolais Crus and typically has good colour, backbone and is full-bodied revealing aromas of plums and peaches. Henry Fessy’s domaine contains 7.5 hectares of Brouilly vineyards. This wine is very […]
Understanding Burgundy Wine Labels
Burgundy wine labels, steeped in tradition, convey essential information through specific terms and classifications. Here’s a guide to navigating these labels:
- Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC): This term indicates that the wine complies with regulations governing the geographical origin, grape varieties, and production methods. Burgundy’s hierarchy of appellations ranges from regional wines to more specific village, premier cru, and grand cru classifications.
- Village Names: Many Burgundy wines are labeled with the name of the village where the grapes are grown. These wines offer a step up in quality and specificity from regional AOCs, reflecting the characteristics of the local terroir.
- Premier Cru and Grand Cru Designations: These terms are reserved for wines from vineyards recognized for superior quality. “Premier Cru” is indicated alongside the village name, suggesting a high level of quality, while “Grand Cru” wines, the pinnacle of Burgundy’s offerings, are labeled with the vineyard name alone. These wines come from meticulously defined plots known for producing exceptional wines.
- Producer Name: The name of the estate or winemaker is prominently displayed, providing a hint to the wine’s style and quality. In Burgundy, where winemaking approaches can vary significantly, the producer’s name is a key indicator of the wine’s character and craftsmanship.
- Vintage: The year of harvest, indicating the age of the wine and, importantly, the growing conditions of that particular year. The vintage can significantly influence a wine’s flavour profile and aging potential.
By familiarising yourself with these elements, you can begin to unlock the stories behind Burgundy’s esteemed wines, gaining a deeper appreciation for the region’s nuanced viticultural landscape.
How to Store and Serve Burgundy Wines
Proper storage and serving techniques are crucial for enjoying Burgundy wines at their best. Here are some guidelines to ensure that your wines reveal their full complexity and character.
Storage:
- Temperature: Keep your Burgundy wines in a cool, constant environment, ideally between 12-14°C. Fluctuations in temperature can damage the wine, leading to premature ageing.
- Humidity: Aim for a humidity level around 70%. This prevents the corks from drying out, which could let air into the bottle and spoil the wine.
- Position: Store bottles horizontally to keep the cork moist and ensure a tight seal. For screw-cap bottles, orientation is less critical.
- Light: Protect wines from direct sunlight and bright artificial lights, as UV rays can degrade and prematurely age wine.
- Vibration: Minimise vibration from appliances or heavy traffic, as it can disturb the sediments in the bottle, affecting the wine’s evolution.
Serving:
- Temperature: Serve red Burgundy slightly cooler than room temperature, around 16-18°C, to highlight its flavours and aromas. White Burgundy should be served chilled, between 10-12°C, to maintain its freshness and acidity.
- Decanting: Decant older red Burgundies gently to separate the wine from any sediment that may have formed. Younger wines may also benefit from decanting to aerate the wine, opening up its aromas and flavours.
- Glassware: Use a glass with a wide bowl for red Burgundy to enhance the wine’s aromas. White Burgundy is best served in a glass with a slightly narrower bowl to concentrate its delicate bouquet.
- Tasting: When tasting, take the time to appreciate the wine’s appearance, nose, and palate. Burgundy wines are known for their complexity and depth, which can be fully appreciated by engaging all your senses.
By following these storage and serving recommendations, you can ensure that each bottle of Burgundy wine provides the optimal drinking experience, reflecting the terroir and craftsmanship that went into its production.
Pairing Burgundy Wine with Food
The diverse array of Burgundy wines, spanning from the light and fruity to the deep and complex, offers a broad spectrum of pairing options. The secret to a successful pairing lies in aligning the wine’s attributes with the flavours of the food. Here’s how to pair Burgundy wines with your meals:
- Pinot Noir (Red Burgundy): The refinement and subtlety of Burgundy’s Pinot Noir make it a versatile companion to a variety of dishes. Its pronounced acidity and red fruit notes are splendid with roasted chicken, duck, and game birds, where the wine complements the meat’s juiciness. Earthier variants from areas like Gevrey-Chambertin or Pommard excel alongside mushroom dishes and truffle-infused cuisine, amplifying the umami tastes.
- Chardonnay (White Burgundy): The minerality and richness of Burgundy Chardonnay, especially from the Côte de Beaune, match wonderfully with creamy sauces, butter-laden seafood, and poultry. The wine’s robust structure pairs well with rich flavours, making it an ideal choice for lobster, scallops, or chicken in a creamy mustard sauce. Unoaked or lightly oaked versions from Chablis are exceptional with oysters, shellfish, and delicate fish dishes, accentuating the wine’s crisp acidity.
- Aligoté: This less familiar white variety yields crisp, acidic wines that pair excellently with salads, light starters, and goat’s cheese. Aligoté’s freshness can either cut through the richness of certain dishes or complement the lightness of vegetable-centric recipes.
- Gamay (Beaujolais): The fruity and light-bodied character of Gamay from Beaujolais is delightful with charcuterie, light pasta dishes, and grilled vegetables. Its low tannin content and brisk acidity make it adaptable enough to accompany a wide array of dishes, from simple picnics to heartier roasted meats. The more structured Beaujolais Cru wines are suited to richer, more flavourful dishes, such as coq au vin or beef bourguignon, where the wine’s fruitiness offsets the depth of the food.
When matching food with Burgundy wines, it’s crucial to consider the intensity and flavour profiles of both the wine and the dish to ensure a complementary pairing. The aim is to enrich the dining experience, where each sip and bite enhances the other.
Spotlight on Handpicked Burgundies
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£135.50Domaine Borgeot is situated in the village of Rémigny in the Côte de Beaune. Created in 1903, it is now run by the fourth generation of the Borgeot family: brothers Laurent and Pascal. Their 23 hectares of sustainably-farmed vineyards are in the villages of Bouzeron, Santenay, Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet. The […]
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£94.50Deep red colour. The aromas are powerful and elegant, with notes of cherry and blackberry, as well as hints of cedar wood evolving towards gamey touches. On the palate: beautiful balance between structure and softness. The long aftertaste is reminiscent of fruit syrups and mild spices.
In the journey through the enchanting world of Burgundy, we’ve explored the nuanced tapestry of its terroirs, the distinguished character of its varietals, and the artful traditions of its winemaking. From the storied slopes of the Côte d’Or to the vibrant vineyards of Beaujolais, Burgundy offers a rich palette of experiences for the oenophile. Understanding its labels unlocks the heritage within each bottle, while mastering the art of pairing and serving these wines enhances the sensory delight they bring. Burgundy, with its deep-rooted history and commitment to quality, invites wine lovers to a realm where each sip tells a story of place and passion. As you close this guide, remember that the exploration of Burgundy’s wines is an ongoing adventure, one that promises new discoveries and pleasures with every vintage.