Burgundy's sub regions
Burgundy may be small in size but holds the most influence on the wine world. The region is known for having the most expensive wines in the world, attaining what is considered the purest flavor of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The world famous region is divided into Chablis, where travelling south takes you to the Côte de Nuits, the entrance to where the highest quality wines are made. Travelling through will take you to the Côte de Beaune, to explore beautiful villages and sip marvelous Chardonnay. Continue on to the Côte Chalonnaise and finish off in the Mâconnais, weaving through lovely villages and sipping wine along the way. Although not strictly part of the region, the truly adventurous can roam down to Beaujolais and see the delights that Gamay has to offer. With 33 Grand Crus, 640 Premier Cru, 44 village wines and thousands of regional wines, there is endless wine and will be the perfect challenge for you to try them all.
Chablis
The Northern region of Burgundy, known for its unoaked Chardonnays, setting itself apart from its sister Chardonnays located further South. The grapes in this stunning region have been grown since Cistercian monks crated the vineyards in the 12th century, where the climate is moderated by the River Serein ensuring the grapes ripen to their up most quality.
The only grape planted here is Chardonnay, where it is delicately placed into the Kimmeridgian limestone, whose chalky qualities are perfect for retaining the warmth of the sun and aiding in the wines signature crispness.
Côte de Nuits
Where to begin.... Home to 24 Grand Cru vineyards and the most expensive wines in the world, where 80% of the region produces Pinot Noir and 20% creates Chardonnay and small amounts of Rosé. The Grand Cru vineyards begin at Gevery Chambertain and sweep down the valley through Morey Saint Denis and Vosne Romanée.
Travelling through here you will be surrounded by vines, where the Pinot Noir produce flavors of cherry, red fruit and forest floor. With each sip you will see why this tiny sub region makes the best wines on the planet.
Côte de Beaune
The heart of Burgundy, and known for breath taking Chardonnay and 8 Grand Cru vineyards. Its main town is known as Beaune, the center of the wine making region and well known for its Hospices. Wonder through this humble french town, sipping wine and having a pastry or two, then venture out into the surrounding villages. It is absolutely baffling to think how the villages, that are clustered together, all produce marvelous Chardonnay that differ on countless levels.
Côte Chalonnaise
Heading further south takes you into this wonderful region. Despite having no Grand Crus, they have the freedom to do things a little different. Pushing aside Chardonnay their regions thrives in producing Aligote, an elegant floral wine that pairs perfectly with shellfish. For those that like bubbles, pop down and experience the vibrant center for Cremant de Bourgogne, where the 13 different types of subsoil lend to wines with immense and unique character at phenomenal value.
Mâconnais
Arriving at the southerly point of the region, that splits Southern and Northern France, takes you to this warmer region that possesses limestone cliffs and an amphitheater of vines that produce delicious Chardonnay with unrivaled value. The region is famous for its Pouilly Fuissé, as the limestone an granite soils give well structured Chardonnays with notes of lemon peel and honeysuckle. For those that really want to open their eyes to the diversity of what Chardonnay has to offer cannot miss this.
Beaujolais
For those looking to do the complete tour, or perhaps for a quick pit stop before heading down to Rhone, take the moment to sample the wines of Beaujolais. There are wines that are full of history and fame and then there are some that are just plain yummy! The floral, earthy and delicate Gamay produced here is moreish after every single sip. Whatever you do, do not neglect this region, as you will be surprised by the quality and flavor of the wines here.