Bourgogne French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Bourgogne is the regional appellation of Burgundy, the entry point to one of the world's most prestigious wine regions, producing elegant Pinot Noir reds and Chardonnay whites with true Burgundian character.
More info about Bourgogne
Geographic position
Eastern France, covering the Burgundy wine region from the Yonne (Chablis, Auxerre) in the north through the Côte d'Or and Côte Chalonnaise to the Mâconnais in the south, plus parts of Beaujolais; regional names such as Côte d'Or or Côte Chalonnaise can be added to the label.
Origin & history
The Romans and Gauls planted vines here, but it was the Benedictine monks of Cluny and the Cistercians of Cîteaux who mapped the famous "climats" from the 10th century. In 1395 Duke Philip the Bold banned Gamay to protect the quality of Pinot Noir. The Bourgogne AOC was created in 1937.
Wines & grape varieties
Reds from Pinot Noir (with some Gamay in limited cases) offering cherry, raspberry and subtle earthiness; whites from Chardonnay with apple, citrus, white flowers and a fresh finish; also rosés.
Climate & soil
Semi-continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Limestone and marl soils from the Jurassic era.
Wine region: Burgundy
Grape varieties: Chardonnay, Gamay, Pinot Noir