Côteaux Bourguignons French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Coteaux Bourguignons is a broad regional Burgundy appellation that allows blends of Gamay and Pinot Noir, offering fruity, easy-drinking reds, rosés and whites at friendly prices.
More info about Côteaux Bourguignons
Geographic position
Eastern France, covering the whole of greater Burgundy, from Chablis and the Yonne in the north through the Côte d'Or, Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais down to Beaujolais in the south.
Origin & history
Created in 2011, Coteaux Bourguignons replaced the old Bourgogne Grand Ordinaire appellation. It notably allows Beaujolais crus growers to label their wines as Burgundy, reflecting the historic link between the two regions and the Gamay grape, which Duke Philip the Bold famously banned from the Côte d'Or in 1395.
Wines & grape varieties
Reds and rosés from Gamay and Pinot Noir, alone or blended (with some César allowed); whites from Chardonnay, Aligoté, Melon de Bourgogne, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Expect bright cherry, raspberry and fresh, supple textures.
Climate & soil
Semi-continental climate. Very varied soils, from Kimmeridgian limestone in the north to clay-limestone and granite in the south.
Wine region: Burgundy
Grape varieties: Aligoté, Chardonnay, Gamay, Melon de Bourgogne, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir