Burgundy

## Understanding Burgundy Burgundy is often considered the ultimate expression of terroir. The region's vineyards are divided into thousands of individual plots, each with its own unique soil, exposure and microclimate. ### Côte de Nuits Located in the northern part of Burgundy's Côte d'Or, the Côte de Nuits is famous for producing some of the world's greatest Pinot Noir wines. Prestigious villages include Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny, Vosne-Romanée and Nuits-Saint-Georges. Many of Burgundy's most celebrated Grand Cru vineyards are found here, producing wines with extraordinary depth, complexity and ageing potential. ### Côte de Beaune The Côte de Beaune, centred around the historic town of Beaune, is renowned for producing some of the world's finest Chardonnay and elegant Pinot Noir wines. Villages such as Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet produce some of the world's most celebrated white wines, while Pommard and Volnay are known for their refined Pinot Noir. ### Beaune – The Wine Capital of Burgundy At the heart of Burgundy lies the historic town of Beaune, widely regarded as the wine capital of the region. Beaune is home to many leading wine merchants and producers and is famous for the Hospices de Beaune, whose annual charity wine auction attracts collectors from around the world. The town acts as the gateway to many of Burgundy's greatest appellations and remains one of the most important destinations for wine lovers visiting France. ## White Burgundy – Some of the World's Finest Chardonnay While Burgundy is famous for Pinot Noir, many wine lovers consider the region's greatest white wines to be among the finest expressions of Chardonnay anywhere in the world. ### Puligny-Montrachet Puligny-Montrachet is renowned for producing elegant, mineral-driven white wines displaying citrus fruit, white flowers, precision and exceptional ageing potential. ### Chassagne-Montrachet Neighbouring Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet often produces richer and more powerful wines, offering flavours of orchard fruit, hazelnut, butter and subtle spice while retaining impressive freshness. ### Meursault Meursault is famous for a broader and more opulent style, displaying notes of ripe apple, peach, toasted nuts, butter and cream. The finest examples combine richness with remarkable balance and longevity. ### The Role of Oak in White Burgundy Oak ageing plays an important role in many White Burgundy wines. The best producers use oak to enhance rather than dominate the wine. New French oak barrels can contribute subtle notes of vanilla, toast, hazelnut and brioche while adding texture and complexity. Over time, great White Burgundy develops extraordinary aromas of honey, toasted nuts, pastry, truffle and mineral complexity that have made the region's wines among the most sought-after in the world. ## The World's Most Famous Burgundy Producers ### Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Often referred to as DRC, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti produces some of the rarest and most expensive wines in the world. Tiny production levels and extraordinary vineyard holdings make these wines highly sought after by collectors. ### Domaine Leroy Domaine Leroy is renowned for meticulous vineyard management, tiny production volumes and wines of exceptional concentration and purity. ### Armand Rousseau One of the most respected producers in Gevrey-Chambertin, Armand Rousseau crafts elegant and highly collectible wines from some of Burgundy's finest vineyards. ## Why Is Burgundy So Expensive? Burgundy's high prices are driven by extremely small vineyard holdings, limited production, centuries-old classifications and intense global demand. Many of the most famous vineyards cover only a few hectares, creating fierce competition among collectors worldwide.