A Complete Guide to the Burgundy Region of France

The Burgundy wine region stretches approximately 230 kilometers (140 miles) from north to south in eastern France. The region has a narrow, elongated shape running from Chablis in the north to Beaujolais in the south.

If you are planning a trip to France and appreciate fine wines then a trip to the Burgandy region needs to be in your itinerary. Here is a background of the region to help you better enjoy your visit. See our guide to the Bordeaux region as well.

History of the Burgundy Region in France

The Burgundy (Bourgogne) region in eastern France has a rich and complex history spanning over two millennia. Here’s an overview of its fascinating historical development:

Ancient Origins

• Celtic Period: Before Roman conquest, the area was inhabited by Celtic tribes, particularly the Aedui, who had developed sophisticated trading networks
• Roman Rule (1st century BCE – 5th century CE): After Julius Caesar’s conquest of Gaul, Burgundy became part of the Roman province of Gallia Lugdunensis, with cities like Augustodunum (modern Autun) serving as important centers

Early Medieval Burgundy

• Burgundian Kingdom (5th century): Germanic Burgundians settled in the region after the fall of the Western Roman Empire
• Frankish Control: Incorporated into the Merovingian and then Carolingian Frankish kingdoms
• Division of Charlemagne’s Empire: After 843, Burgundy was split, with parts going to different Frankish kingdoms

The Duchy of Burgundy

• First Duchy (9th-14th centuries): Established as a feudal territory within the Kingdom of France
• Valois Dynasty (1363-1477): The peak of Burgundian power under dukes Philip the Bold, John the Fearless, Philip the Good, and Charles the Bold
• Burgundian State: At its height, extended beyond modern Burgundy to include much of the Low Countries (parts of modern Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)
• Cultural Golden Age: Renowned for artistic patronage, manuscript illumination, and Flemish painting

Modern Era

• Royal France (1477 onwards): After Charles the Bold’s death, much of the Duchy was absorbed into royal France
• French Revolution: In 1790, the province was dissolved and reorganized into departments, primarily Côte-d’Or, Saône-et-Loire, and Yonne
• 19th-20th Centuries: Developed as an agricultural region known for its wine production

Cultural Legacy

• Romanesque Architecture: Home to important monastic centers including the Abbey of Cluny
• Cistercian Order: Founded at Cîteaux Abbey in 1098
• Wine Tradition: Viticulture dating back to Roman times, formalized by Cistercian monks
• Burgundian School: Important musical and artistic developments in the 15th century

Grape Varieties in Burgundy

Burgundy (Bourgogne) is famous for its exceptional wines, which are primarily made from just a few key grape varieties. Unlike many wine regions that use numerous varieties and blends, Burgundy’s approach is focused on expressing terroir through a limited palette of grapes:

Primary Red Grape Variety

Pinot Noir

• The dominant red grape variety in Burgundy
• Produces elegant, complex wines with notes of red fruits, earth, and spice
• Known for its thin skin and challenging cultivation
• Expresses terroir differences remarkably well
• Found throughout the region but particularly celebrated in the Côte de Nuits
• Notable appellations include Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée, and Chambolle-Musigny

Primary White Grape Variety

Chardonnay

• The dominant white grape variety in Burgundy
• Produces everything from crisp, mineral-driven wines to rich, full-bodied expressions
• Particularly associated with the Côte de Beaune, Chablis, and Mâconnais
• Famous appellations include Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, and Chablis
• Often aged in oak barrels, though stylistic approaches vary by sub-region

Secondary Grape Varieties

Aligoté

• A white grape variety producing lighter, high-acidity wines
• Traditionally used in Kir cocktails (with crème de cassis)
• Gaining recognition for quality wines, particularly from Bouzeron

Gamay

• The primary grape of Beaujolais (technically part of Burgundy administratively)
• Makes fruity, approachable wines with vibrant acidity
• Most famous for Beaujolais Nouveau but also produces more serious cru Beaujolais

Other Minor Varieties

• Sauvignon Blanc: Found in Saint-Bris
• César: A rare red variety occasionally found in northern Burgundy
• Sacy: An ancient white variety mostly disappeared from commercial production
• Pinot Beurot (Pinot Gris): Historically grown in small amounts

Regional Distribution

• Chablis: Almost exclusively Chardonnay
• Côte de Nuits: Predominantly Pinot Noir (95%)
• Côte de Beaune: Mix of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
• Côte Chalonnaise: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and some Aligoté
• Mâconnais: Predominantly Chardonnay
• Beaujolais: Predominantly Gamay

Burgundy’s winemaking philosophy emphasizes expressing the unique characteristics of specific vineyard sites (climats) rather than winemaker intervention or blending.

Popular Wineries in Burgundy

Burgundy has some of the world’s most well known wineries. Here are a few of the most popular wineries across the region.

Côte de Nuits

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC)

Often called the “Holy Grail” of wine producers, DRC represents the pinnacle of Burgundy winemaking. The domaine owns some of the most prestigious vineyards in the world, including the monopole vineyard Romanée-Conti itself.

• Often considered the most prestigious winery in the world
• Produces the legendary Romanée-Conti Grand Cru
• Known for extraordinary Pinot Noirs with decades of aging potential
• Other famous vineyards include La Tâche, Richebourg, and Grands Échézeaux

Domaine Armand Rousseau

his historic family domaine has been producing wine since 1909 and is considered one of the greatest producers of Gevrey-Chambertin. They own significant holdings in Chambertin and Clos de Bèze Grand Crus.

• Historic producer in Gevrey-Chambertin
• Renowned for elegant, pure expressions of Pinot Noir
• Famous for their Chambertin and Clos de Bèze Grand Crus

Domaine Leroy

Founded by the formidable Lalou Bize-Leroy, this domaine is renowned for producing some of the most intense and long-lived wines in Burgundy.

• Run by the legendary Lalou Bize-Leroy
• Pioneered biodynamic viticulture in Burgundy
• Known for intensely concentrated wines with remarkable longevity

Domaine Georges Roumier

• Family-owned since 1924
• Celebrated for their Chambolle-Musigny wines, particularly Bonnes-Mares
• Known for balanced, terroir-driven wines

Côte de Beaune

Domaine Leflaive

• Leading producer of white Burgundy
• Based in Puligny-Montrachet
• Pioneer in biodynamic viticulture
• Renowned for their Grand Cru Chardonnays

Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé

• Historic estate dating back to the 15th century
• Owns significant portions of Musigny Grand Cru
• Known for wines of exceptional finesse and aging potential

Domaine Marquis d’Angerville

• Premier producer in Volnay
• Known for silky, elegant Pinot Noirs
• Practices biodynamic viticulture

Domaine Roulot

• Based in Meursault
• Run by Jean-Marc Roulot
• Renowned for precise, mineral-driven Chardonnays

Chablis

Domaine Raveneau

Considered by many as the greatest producer in Chablis, Domaine Raveneau creates wines of exceptional purity and longevity. The domaine owns prime vineyard sites including Les Clos and Valmur Grand Crus, producing wines that capture the best of the Chablis terroir.

• Considered by many as Chablis’ finest producer
• Extremely limited production with cult following
• Known for complex, age-worthy Chablis

Domaine William Fèvre

• Major landowner in Chablis Grand Cru vineyards
• Combines traditional methods with modern technology
• Known for pure expressions of Chablis terroir

Domaine Vincent Dauvissat

his family-run estate produces classic Chablis wines that exemplify the region’s unique character. Dauvissat practices minimal intervention winemaking, allowing the terroir to express itself naturally.

• Family-run estate producing classic Chablis
• Minimal intervention winemaking
• Known for wines with remarkable precision and minerality

Côte Chalonnaise & Mâconnais

Domaine A. et P. de Villaine

• Co-owned by Aubert de Villaine (of DRC fame)
• Based in Bouzeron, specializing in Aligoté
• Produces terroir-driven wines at more accessible price points

Domaine Leflaive (Mâcon operations)

Widely regarded as one of the finest producers of white Burgundy, Domaine Leflaive has been family-owned since 1717. They are pioneers in biodynamic viticulture and produce some of the most sought-after Chardonnays in the world from their holdings in Puligny-Montrachet, including parcels in the legendary Montrachet Grand Cru.

• Extension of the famous Puligny domaine
• Bringing Grand Cru expertise to the Mâconnais
• Producing high-quality Chardonnay at more affordable prices

Domaine des Comtes Lafon (Mâcon operations)

Under the leadership of Dominique Lafon, this domaine has become one of the most respected producers in Burgundy for both red and white wines. They practice biodynamic viticulture and are known for their commitment to expressing terroir through minimal intervention winemaking. Their Meursault wines are particularly celebrated for their richness, complexity, and ability to age gracefully.

• Another prestigious Côte de Beaune producer with Mâconnais vineyards
• Elevating the reputation of Mâconnais wines

Beaujolais

Marcel Lapierre

• Leader of the “natural wine” movement in Beaujolais
• Based in Morgon
• Pioneered minimal-intervention winemaking

Jean Foillard

• Producer of elegant, terroir-driven Morgon
• Member of the “Gang of Four” natural winemakers
• Known for wines with remarkable depth and complexity

Many of these producers have waiting lists for their wines, with some of the most sought-after bottles from DRC, Leroy, and Rousseau going for thousands of dollars a  bottle.

Why Burgundy Wines Stand Out

Burgundy (Bourgogne) wines hold a unique and prestigious position in the world of wine for several compelling reasons:

Terroir Expression

Unparalleled Sense of Place

• Climats System: Burgundy pioneered the concept of specific vineyard parcels (climats) having distinctive characteristics
• UNESCO Recognition: The climats of Burgundy were designated a World Heritage Site in 2015
• Soil Diversity: Varied limestone-rich soils with subtle differences that translate into the wines
• Geological Complexity: Ancient seabeds and limestone formations create nuanced growing conditions

Extreme Classification

• Hierarchy of Quality: From regional wines to village, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru designations
• Microscopic Divisions: Vineyards sometimes divided into dozens of parcels owned by different producers
• Transparent Expression: Soil differences can be tasted across vineyards separated by just meters

Historical Significance

Centuries of Viticultural Knowledge

• Monastic Influence: Cistercian and Benedictine monks meticulously documented vineyard differences starting in the 11th century
• Ancient Origins: Continuous wine production since Roman times
• Refined Understanding: Over 1,000 years of observing which sites produce superior wines

Traditional Methods

• Hand Harvesting: Still practiced throughout most quality vineyards
• Minimal Intervention: Focus on letting the vineyard speak rather than winemaker manipulation
• Barrel Aging: Traditional élevage in French oak to complement rather than dominate the wines

Grape Specialization

Mastery of Difficult Varieties

• Pinot Noir Perfection: Burgundy is considered the spiritual home of this notoriously difficult grape
• Chardonnay Benchmark: Sets the global standard for what Chardonnay can achieve
• Varietal Purity: Wines typically made from single varieties rather than blends
• Transparency: These varieties clearly reflect the subtleties of terroir

Quality and Scarcity

Limited Production

• Small Holdings: Many producers own just tiny parcels of vineyards
• Low Yields: Quality-focused approach limits quantity
• High Demand: Global competition for extremely limited wines
• Climate Challenges: Cool continental climate creates vintage variation and risks

Aging Potential

• Remarkable Longevity: The finest wines can evolve for decades
• Complex Development: Wines transform dramatically with time
• Investment Value: Proven track record of appreciation in value

Cultural Impact

Influence on Global Winemaking

• Imitated Worldwide: “Burgundian-style” wines produced globally
• Winemaker Pilgrimage Site: Attracts passionate vintners from around the world
• Collector Passion: Inspires dedicated collectors and connoisseurs
• Benchmark Status: Other regions measured against Burgundy standards

Balance and Elegance

Structural Harmony

• Moderate Alcohol: Typically lower than many New World regions
• Integrated Acidity: Provides freshness and aging potential
• Subtle Tannins: Structure without aggression in the red wines
• Elegant Restraint: Focused on finesse rather than power

While other regions may produce excellent wines, few can match Burgundy’s centuries-refined expression of the relationship between land, grape, climate, and human tradition.

Richard Remick

Richard is owner and the chief editor of Choice Wineries. He contributes expert content relating to wine making and winery reviews.

After graduating from the DeVry Institute of Technology, he worked in IT for over 20 years before deciding to escape the office and share his passion for wine.

With a passion for the great outdoors, Richard spends a lot of time in Colorado. There he enjoys skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, cycling, hiking, and of course visiting wineries.

His outdoor adventures are not confined to the continental US. Richard is an avid traveler who flies up to 10 times a year and has visited 18 countries.

Because of his wealth of knowledge and experience, Richard has been invited to contribute articles to many websites, such as Florida Rambler, and has been profiled on travel websites such as JohnnyJet.