Burgundy is where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay reach their most pure, terroir-driven expression. The region’s intricate classification of vineyards — from regional Bourgogne up through village, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru levels — reflects centuries of meticulous observation about which patches of land produce the most distinctive wines.
The Côte d’Or is the heart of the region: a narrow limestone escarpment producing reds of extraordinary finesse in the Côte de Nuits and whites of crystalline precision in the Côte de Beaune. But Burgundy extends well beyond this famous strip, encompassing the crisp Chardonnays of Chablis, the reliable values of the Côte Chalonnaise, and the generous whites of the Mâconnais.
We consider Burgundy essential for anyone who wants to understand what terroir actually means in practice. Tasting a village Gevrey-Chambertin next to a Premier Cru and then a Grand Cru from the same producer is one of wine’s most illuminating experiences.