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Burgundy Wine Region: Subregions, Classifications, and Key Characteristics

Burgundy Subregions

  • Burgundy has six subregions; however, Chablis and Beaujolais are often referred to by their names rather than as subregions of Burgundy.
  • The rest of Burgundy, excluding Chablis and Beaujolais, is referred to as "proper Burgundy."

Business Model

  • The business model in Burgundy is unique and complex due to the Napoleonic Code after the French Revolution.
  • The Napoleonic Code removed the church from vineyards and allowed people working on the vineyards to purchase them at affordable prices.
  • Vineyards were divided among heirs, leading to further subdivisions over time.
  • This created opportunities for negociants (third parties buying grapes or wine from various vineyards) and co-ops.
  • Negociants: Buy grapes or wine from different vineyards, blend them, and sell the wine under their label. They may or may not represent the growers on the label.
  • Co-ops: Growers pool their grapes and wines, use a central winemaking facility, and share ownership of the venture.

AOC Classification

  • The top level of the French wine classification system is the AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée).
  • Each region and subregion can create its own laws based on the AOC system.
  • In "proper Burgundy", the classification system is similar to the German VDP system:
    • Grand Cru: The most prestigious, referring to Grand Cru vineyards.
    • Premier Cru: Premier Cru vineyards are sometimes abbreviated as 1er.
    • Village Wines: Named after towns or villages.
    • Regional Wines: Encompass broader designated areas, with "Bourgogne" (Burgundy) being the main one (e.g., Bourgogne Rouge, Bourgogne Blanc). Producers can identify the grape name on the label at this level.
  • Co-ops can operate at any level (Regional, Village, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru), depending on where their grapes come from.
  • There are 33 Grand Crus in Burgundy, with 32 in Proper Burgundy and 1 in Chablis.
  • Grand Cru vineyards can have multiple owners due to inheritance laws.

Grapes of Burgundy

  • Chardonnay is known as white burgundy.
  • Pinot Noir is known as red burgundy.
  • Gamay is considered a red burgundy but often referred to as Beaujolais.

Chablis

  • Chablis expresses primary aromas and flavors influenced by the grape and location.
  • MLF (Malolactic Fermentation) is used but remains subtle, preserving acidity.
  • Lees aging is common to enhance the wine by rounding out the acid and improving texture.
  • Chablis has its own AOC classification:
    • Grand Cru Vineyard
    • Premier Cru Vineyard
    • Village
    • Petite Chablis
  • Petite Chablis and Village wines typically use stainless steel.
  • Premier Cru may use old oak, while Grand Cru often uses newer oak.
  • Chablis features Kimmeridgian soil, an ancient soil (50,000,000 years old) with fossilized sea creatures, creating a limestone-based soil high in alkaline.
  • Soils high in alkaline, such as limestone and chalk, help grapes preserve higher levels of acidity.
  • There are seven Grand Cru vineyards in Chablis, counted as one in the overall Burgundy AOC classification.

Cote D'Or (Hills of Gold)

  • Subdivided into Cote D'Ivoire (North) and Cote D'Aubon (South).

Cote D'Ivoire (North)

  • Focuses on Pinot Noir (red burgundy).
  • Wines tend to be more structured due to the cooler climate.
  • Gevry-Chambertin is the most important area for structured red burgundy and contains the most Grand Crus.

Cote D'Aubon (South)

  • Known for Chardonnay (white burgundy).
  • The best white burgundies come from Meursault and the villages of Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet.
  • Meursault is considered a blueprint for Chardonnay, producing rich, full-bodied wines with good acidity.
  • Cote D'Or is only 15 miles long, contributing to the high price of its wines.

Cote Chalonnaise

  • Wines are similar to Cote D'Or but less complex and expressive; considered "minor league versions."
  • Accessible price point.

Maconet

  • Considered the birthplace of Chardonnay.
  • The most famous appellation is say.
  • Historically accessible and widespread, but now more expensive.

Beaujolais

  • Known for Gamay grapes.
  • Divided into two broad areas:
    • Haute (North): Gamay thrives in granite soils, producing more complex wines.
    • Basse (South): Clay and limestone soils, producing fruity, simple Beaujolais.
  • Gamay's true name is Gamay Noir au jus blanc (black Gamay with white juice).
  • Gamay is a crossing of Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc grapes.

AOC Classification within Beaujolais

  • Beaujolais (Basic Beaujolais): Grapes from anywhere in Beaujolais, mostly from the Basse.
    • Beaujolais Nouveau: A subsection of basic Beaujolais using carbonic maceration, released on the third Thursday of every November.
  • Beaujolais Villages: Grapes from specified village sites in both Basse and Haute.
  • Cru: The best, most complex expressions of Beaujolais, with 10 crus.
  • Examples include Flurry (fresh, fruity, floral) and Bruit (more structured).

Carbonic Maceration

  • Beaujolais Nouveau uses full on carbonic maceration. This information concludes the discussion on Burgundy.