An earthy quality
Although the soil quality of the vineyards in Burgundy varies, including calcareous, clay-calcareous, granite, sandy and other soils, it is dominated by calcareous clay. The Burgundian people were skilled in analysing the soil and drawing lessons from experience, and it is said that the Cistercian monks of the Middle Ages used their tongues to taste the earth and gravel in search of suitable grape plantations, and searched for the path to heaven through direct communication with nature.
Two grape varieties
Most of Burgundy's wines are made from a single grape variety. The main red grape variety is Pinot Noir. Although cultivated outside of France, Pinot Noir is unique in the terroir of Burgundy. The main white grape variety is Chardonnay, and Chardonnay, which is widely cultivated all over the world, only shows its special charm in Burgundy, because it not only has a full-bodied taste, but also retains a rare strength and finesse, as well as an amazing long-term potential.
Three types of wine-producing units
Independent wineries, vintners and winemaking cooperatives are the third main wine-producing unit in Burgundy. Independent wineries only produce wines from their own vineyards, which makes it easier to retain the special flavor of the vineyard and the personal style of the owner. Independent wineries are generally owned by financially powerful vintners, such as the DRC Group, which produces the world's most expensive wine, Romanée Conti. In addition to grapes from their own vineyards, vintners also purchase grapes from other vineyards to make wine. The cooperatives do not grow their own grapes, but buy grapes from contract winegrowers who are unable to make their own wines for brewing and marketing.
Fourth Grade Wine
Grand Grade, First Class Park, Village Level and Regional Grade. There are only 33 Grand Cru vineyards in Burgundy, with 24 Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte d'Eis, Côtes de Bernese and Chablis. There are more than 600 first-class vineyards. These are typical Burgundy wines that are scarce in production and of exceptional quality, while those of lower quality are the village appellations and the most abundant local appellations, which produce Burgundy appellations.
Five major production regions
Burgundy is divided into 5 appellations: Chablis, Côte d'Iac, Côte d'Burn, Côte de Chalonne and Courne Magon. Among them, the Côte d'Noe and the Côte d'Or, also known as the Côte d'Or, are the most elite core of the Burgundy wine region.