What is Burgundy Wine?
If you’ve ever seen “Burgundy” on a wine label and wondered what it means — here’s the secret: it’s not a grape. It’s a place.
Burgundy (or Bourgogne in French) is a legendary wine region in eastern France that’s home to two of the most expressive grapes in the world — Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
These two grapes tell the entire story of Burgundy. The whites are elegant and layered, the reds are graceful and complex — and both are deeply shaped by where they’re grown. Burgundy isn’t just about variety; it’s about terroir — the way the soil, slope, and climate give each vineyard its own voice.
White Burgundy: Chardonnay With Character
White Burgundy is made from Chardonnay, but it’s nothing like the big, buttery versions you might associate with California. These wines are all about balance — creamy yet structured, with bright acidity and subtle oak that feels more couture than casual.
Flavor profile:
Expect notes of lemon, pear, white flowers, hazelnut, and that signature “minerality” — a clean, chalky freshness that lingers long after the sip.
How it varies:
Chablis (Northern Burgundy): crisp, steely, and unoaked — think green apple and seashells.
Côte de Beaune (Central Burgundy): fuller, rounder, and more complex — Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet are classics.
Mâconnais (Southern Burgundy): riper and more fruit-forward, with a touch of honey and stone fruit.
Red Burgundy: Pinot Noir At It's Purest
Red Burgundy is made from Pinot Noir, and it’s the gold standard for elegance. These wines aren’t about power — they’re about finesse, perfume, and texture. A good Red Burgundy feels like silk on the palate: light in body but deep in complexity.
Flavor profile:
Expect red cherry, raspberry, rose petal, and subtle notes of earth, truffle, and forest floor — that signature Burgundian “sous-bois.”
How it varies:
Côte de Nuits: deeper, darker, more structured — think Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-St-Georges.
Côte de Beaune: lighter, elegant, more perfumed — think Beaune, Volnay, Pommard.
Regional Bourgogne Rouge: simple but expressive, great entry-level examples.
Why Burgundy Captivates Collectors and Everyday Drinkers Alike
What makes Burgundy special isn’t just the quality — it’s the personality. Each bottle is like a fingerprint of its vineyard. Two wines made just a mile apart can taste completely different. That’s the beauty — and the obsession — of Burgundy.
So whether you’re sipping a simple Bourgogne Blanc or a grand cru Puligny-Montrachet, you’re tasting a story of soil, slope, and time.
Top Producers of Burgundy by Price Range
Everyday Whites(Under $30)
Louis Jadot Bourgogne Chardonnay
Joseph Drouhin “Laforêt” Bourgogne Blanc
Mâcon-Villages by Cave de Lugny
Mid-Range Whites ($30–$80)
Domaine Ferret Pouilly-Fuissé
Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc
Jean-Marc Roulot Bourgogne Blanc
Château de Fuissé “Tête de Cuvée”
Luxury Whites ($80+)
Domaine Leflaive (Puligny-Montrachet)
Domaine Roulot (Meursault)
Coche-Dury (ultra-premium, collectible)
Domaine des Comtes Lafon
Everyday Reds (Under $30)
Louis Jadot Bourgogne Pinot Noir
Bouchard Père & Fils Bourgogne Rouge
Joseph Drouhin “Laforêt” Pinot Noir
Mid-Range Reds ($30–$80)
Domaine Rossignol-Trapet
Domaine Faiveley
Domaine Pavelot (Savigny-lès-Beaune)
Maison Roche de Bellene
Luxury Reds ($80+)
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (legendary, ultra-rare)
Domaine Armand Rousseau
Domaine Dujac
Domaine Leroy
So, try it tonight! Pour a glass of Burgundy — red or white — and let it set the tone for the season. It’s elegant without trying, cozy without heaviness, and full of that quiet depth fall is known for. One sip, and you’ll understand why Burgundy feels like autumn in a glass.
Cheers! #ToastToTaste
Thirsty For More?
New Release: Little Black Book of Wine + Food: 60 White & Red Wines to Make Your Tastebuds Blush
Here, sophistication meets style, and wine education finally feels personal. This beautifully curated guide explores 60 white and red wines from around the world—each paired with foods that flatter, flirt, and bring out the best in every sip.
This isn’t your typical tasting manual. It’s a mood board for your palate—a mix of fashion, flavor, and feeling. You’ll discover:
The personalities of 60 wines, from crisp whites to bold reds
Expert pairing tips for salads, seafood, meats, cheeses, desserts, and more
Approachable education on body, acidity, tannins, and balance
A fresh perspective of wine, blending culture and creativity
