Bourgogne

The Burgundy Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) is a regional designation covering a total of 299 communes spread across the departments of Saône-et-Loire, Côte d'Or, and Yonne.

This area encompasses a mosaic of terroirs in Burgundy, each with highly varied organoleptic properties that define the characteristics of Burgundy wines. These terroirs are often very close together, and it is not uncommon for the region’s most iconic crus to lie just a few dozen meters apart. The soils are predominantly limestone, including clay and marl on an often stony structure, resulting in effective drainage that is favorable for vine cultivation. These terroirs have held appellation status since 1937.

Burgundy wines are defined by two dominant grape varieties: Pinot Noir for reds and Chardonnay for whites, the latter being unique to the region, where it produces some of the world’s finest expressions within legendary appellations. Burgundy appellation wines form the entry-level range offered by the region and are excellent wines for beginners: the whites are renowned for their liveliness and broad aromatic profile, while the reds showcase elegance and finesse, as well as a structure that is often light and fluid. The Bourgogne appellation is elevated by great houses such as Louis Jadot, Domaine Bouchard Père et Fils, Joseph Drouhin, Domaine Devillard, Domaine René Bouvier, and Domaine Guffens-Heynen.