Burgundy (Bourgogne) in eastern France produces two grapes with unmatched purity: Pinot Noir (red) and Chardonnay (white). Unlike Bordeaux blends, wines here are single-variety.
The quality pyramid runs:
- Grand Cru: 33 vineyards, the absolute summit.
- Premier Cru: 640+ named vineyard plots.
- Village: wines named after the commune (Gevrey-Chambertin, Meursault).
- Régionale: generic Bourgogne appellation.
Terroir is everything. Adjacent plots separated by a narrow path can differ dramatically. Chablis (northernmost) makes the sharpest, most mineral Chardonnay. The Côte de Nuits is the red-wine heartland; the Côte de Beaune is known for whites.
