Burgundy (Bourgogne) is the spiritual home of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, where a mosaic of tiny limestone vineyards expresses terroir with unrivalled precision. Reds are perfumed, silky and earthy; whites range from steely Chablis to rich, nutty Meursault and Montrachet. Its hierarchy — regional, village, Premier Cru, Grand Cru — maps the land's quality, and its best wines are among the most coveted on earth.
Structure
| Body | Burgundy is about place above all: neighbouring vineyards yield distinct wines from the same grape. The Côte de Nuits favours structured reds, the Côte de Beaune great whites. Climate, clone and grower all matter, and scarcity drives prices. Few wines age more gracefully. |
|---|---|
| Acidity | High, bright in both colours. |
| Tannin | Low to medium in the reds, silky. |
| Finish | Long and mineral, red fruit and earth (red); citrus and hazelnut (white). |
| Aroma | Red cherry, rose, forest floor (red); apple, hazelnut, butter (white). |
Serving: 14–16°C reds; 11–13°C whites. · Decanting: Brief airing for young reds; usually none for whites.
Burgundy drinking window
| Tier | Drinking window |
|---|---|
| Bourgogne regional | Drink within 2–6 years. |
| Village / Premier Cru | Best 5–15 years. |
| Grand Cru | 10–30+ years. |
| Vintage | Drinking window |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Drinking well now. |
| 2019 | Hold to 2035. |
| 2020 | Cellar to 2040. |
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Burgundy — questions answered
What grapes does Burgundy use?
Almost entirely Pinot Noir for reds and Chardonnay for whites, with Gamay in Beaujolais and Aligoté as a minor white.
What do the Burgundy quality levels mean?
Rising from regional Bourgogne to village, Premier Cru and Grand Cru — each tier reflects a more specific, higher-rated vineyard site.
Why is Burgundy so expensive?
Tiny vineyard parcels, low yields and intense global demand for its terroir-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay drive prices.
What food pairs with red Burgundy?
Duck, mushrooms, salmon and roast chicken — its silky texture and earthiness suit medium-weight savoury dishes.