Burgundy

Burgundy wine: A worldwide benchmark for a thousand years 

When it comes to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, to riff on the old line, all roads lead to Burgundy. For more than a millennium, these two great grape varieties have sunk their roots into the region’s land, and the wines that result are among the most prized on the planet.

What is considered a Burgundy wine?

And what is Burgundy? Burgundy wine must come from the Burgundy region of France, and the vast majority of them are composed of either Pinot Noir for red Burgundy wine and Chardonnay for white Burgundy wine (no Sauvignon Blanc to speak of here!). Within the region, there are many sub-appellations, including Bourgogne wine, Pouilly Fuisse, Musigny, Montrachet, Vosne-Romanée, and many more. Sparkling wine, called Cremant de Bourgogne, is also produced there.

Is Pinot Noir the same as Burgundy wine?

When you’re discussing the Burgundy region of France, red Burgundy is indeed synonymous with Pinot Noir…and white Burgundy is synonymous with Chardonnay.

What red wine is closest to Burgundy?

The other great Pinot Noirs of the world often use Burgundy as a reference point and inspiration. In general, cooler-climate Pinots from Sonoma Coast and the coastal areas of Chile and New Zealand will offer similar energy and acidity. And as Beaujolais matures in the bottle over the years, it takes on some similar characteristics as red Burgundy, even though Beaujolais isn’t made from Pinot Noir at all, but instead from a grape variety called Gamay.

Is Burgundy wine dry or sweet?

Classic Burgundy wine, though it can certainly possess beautiful fruit characteristics, is a dry wine. However, some producers, like Carlo Rossi from California, still are allowed to use the Burgundy term on their labels, and they may have a bit of sweetness to them. But red and white Burgundy, from the Burgundy region of France, are dry wines.

Is Merlot the same as Burgundy?

No, it isn’t. Merlot’s greatest French expression is on the Right Bank of Bordeaux. Burgundy, on the other hand, is home to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

How is Burgundy wine made?

Burgundy wine is made like any other wine around the world: At its most straightforward, the grapes are harvested and then pressed, the juice is fermented, and then aged in oak barrels or rested in stainless steel tanks.

What does Burgundy wine taste like?

The best red Burgundy tends to have an almost haunting sense of finesse and savoriness pulsing beneath the fruit, which often leans in the direction of cherries and red or black berry fruit and spice, as well as mushrooms, flowers like roses, and something that wine professionals often refer to as forest floor. White Burgundy, beneath its citrus, apple and pear, and melon fruit, often possesses savory minerality, as well as the spice of oak in many cases. Flowers and honey are also commonly found, even though the wine is dry.

What are some of the most popular brands of Burgundy wine?

There are many great Burgundy wines available, and some of the most popular are Louis Jadot, Louis Latour, Roupiteau (Winery Direct), Dom Chevillon (Winery Direct), Louis Bouillot (Winery Direct), and Levert Freres (Winery Direct).

Browse our full selection of Burgundy wine online or check out our selection of highly rated Burgundy wine for a great new Burgundy wine to try this week!

Want to learn more about Burgundy wine?

Visit our Guide to Burgundy wine to learn more about Burgundy wine.