A Simple Guide to Burgundy Wine (with Maps) | Wine Folly A Simple Guide to Burgundy Wine (with Maps) July 8, 2013 Blog » Learn About Wine » A Simple Guide to Burgundy Wine (with Maps) Want more confidence buying Burgundy wine? This simplified guide includes maps, infographics and the most important facts on the five major sub-regions. Know which regions are better for Chardonnay vs Pinot Noir. Guide to Burgundy Wine Regions The French Wine region of Burgundy (aka “Bourgogne”) may be small in size but its influence is huge in the world of vino. It can strike fear into the heart of even a seasoned wine pro, but fear not – the region need only be as complex as you want it to be. Yes, it is home to some of the most expensive wines in the known universe but there are tasty affordable wines too. Burgundy Wine History limestone fossil. by Paul About 200 million years ago, the region was part of a vast, tropical sea which created limestone soils, the secret behind the zesty minerality that’s a hallmark of Burgundy wines.

In fact, if you venture into the vineyards you can find chunks of limestone or marl (limestone mixed with clay) that have fascinating fossilized sea creatures mixed within. Winemaking goes back to the Romans in the 1st century AD but it was the Catholic monks that really established the vineyards in the Middle Ages growing grapes for the church and the aristocratic Dukes of Burgundy. The French Revolution gave the land back to the people who, today, pride themselves on their attachment to the land. So much so that many are practicing sustainable, organic and bio-dynamic viticulture and winemaking in ever increasing numbers. Just The Facts: Burgundy Wine The easiest way to wrap your brain around Burgundy is that there are just two grape varieties to remember: Pinot Noir & Chardonnay To the ‘vigneron” (winemakers/growers) Burgundy is not only the original home of these grapes but the ’terroir’ (tare-wah) that best expresses their character – elegant, aromatic, complex and highly enjoyable! Q: What is Terroir? The symbiosis of grape, soil, climate, vineyard placement, and the human touch, all rolled into one.

Burgundy is all about ‘terroir’ – it’s not just the taste of rocks. 2016 Wine Map Update Now Available: Appellation maps to explore all of the major wine producing regions of the world. Discover art made to be handled. View Wine Maps ➜ Where Exactly is Burgundy? Located in the east-central part of France, Burgundy has 5 wine growing areas (not including Beaujolais and Châtillonnais): Chablis CHABLIS "Famous for zesty Chardonnay" Chablis is the furthest north and geographically set apart from the rest of Burgundy. The river Serein (Serene) flows through the area, moderating the climate and grapes have been grown here since the Cistercian monks first started the vineyards in the 12th century. In reality, it’s really closer to Champagne, both in terms of location and climate, with harsh cold winters, spring frost and hot summers. The dominant soil here is called “Kemmeridgian” limestone, just like in Champagne.

Its white chalky texture is great at retaining and reflecting the warmth of the sun, sorely needed this far north, which helps the grapes ripen and gives the wines a purity and crispness that just says “Chablis”. All the wines are white and made with Chardonnay grapes. CÔTE DE NUITS "Famous for the richest Pinot Noir" The Côte de Nuits (named after walnut trees!) is home to 24 Grand Cru vineyards and some of the world’s most expensive vineyard real estate. The area begins just south of Dijon and ends at the village of Corgoloin. 80% of the wines produced here are Pinot Noir and the remaining 20% either Chardonnay or Rosé - a specialty of Marsannay. The Grand Cru vineyards form a patchwork on the eastern slopes facing the valley of the Saône River starting at the village of Gevery Chambertin, past Morey St-Denis and south to Vougeot and Vosne Romanée. Most are small and can have many owners, due to the structure of post French Revolution inheritance laws.

These renowned expressions of Pinot Noir can age for decades – and it might just take that long to save up for them as prices can range into the thousands of dollars. But don’t give up! Try some of the Côte de Nuits Village wines from Fixin, Brochon, Premeaux, Comblanchien and Corgoloin. Mostly Pinot Noir, they show classic full-bodied Burgundy notes of black currant, cherry, fresh red fruits and earthy mushroom and spice. Offerings in the Premier Cru category can be good buys as well and perfect for that special occasion. CÔTE DE BEAUNE "Famous for rich Chardonnay" The Côte de Beaune – named after the medieval village that is the heart of wine commerce in Burgundy – is quite different than its neighbor to the north. Here, the valleys are open and rolling, the vineyards have more of a southeasterly exposure and Chardonnay plays a more important role with 7 of the 8 Grand Cru vineyards producing white wine – Corton, Corton Charlemagne, Montrachet ( literal translation: Bald Mountain), being some of the well known names.

Again, you don’t need to mortgage the farm to enjoy amazing wines from this region. Look for the Côte de Beaune Village and Premier Cru wine from Chassagne-Montratchet, Santenay, Meursault, Puligny Montrachet, St. Aubin, Volnay, Pommard and Beaune The whites are filled with aromas of soft white flowers, dried grasses, fresh apple and pear and sometimes a touch of hazelnut. The reds will be a joy to drink now, or keep 5 years or so, with touches of plum, cherrystone, white tobacco and that Burgundian signature of minerality and good acidity. Côte de Nuits + Côte de Beaune = Côte d'Or! The 2 most historically important regions in Burgundy make up the Côte d’Or or Golden Slope a brisk day in Côte Chalonnaise. source CÔTE CHALONNAISE "Great for Value Pinot Noir and Sparkling Crémant" Our next stop in our tour of Burgundy is the Côte Chalonnaise situated between the towns of Chagny and Saint-Vallerin.

Here there are no Grand Cru vineyards. The Dukes of Burgundy were centered in Dijon and liked to keep their holdings close to home. They considered these areas to the south to be more rural and for the peasants! What a shame, they really missed out on some superb wines! The first village in the northern part of the region is Bouzeron, the only appellation devoted to the other white grape of Burgundy, Aligoté. This is a perfect summer sipper or choice for fish and shellfish. Aligoté is floral, citrus and flint, with perhaps a touch of honey. Delicious. Another village that does something a bit different (do we see a pattern emerging? ) is Rully, a vibrant center of Cremant de Bourgogne production since the 19th century. These white and rosé sparklers are made in the traditional method just as in Champagne. The villages of Mercurey, Givry and Montagny lay atop wonderful soils; layers of Jurassic limestone and marl with topsoils of eroded pebbles and clay.

In fact, the area around Givry, in the middle of the Chalonnaise, has over 13 types of soil. These different plots give the wines individual character and the winemakers here really know their soils, with some having held the vineyard lands since the 17th century. The wines from this area are good value. They range from smooth Chardonnays with subtle oak influences and ripe tree fruits to more rustic Pinot Noir filled with dried strawberry, cherry, earth and forest influences and suede-like tannins. MÂCONNAIS "Awesome Valued Chardonnay" The most southerly region, and the largest of Burgundy, is the Mâconnais. Once thought ‘ordinary’ this region is somewhat the ‘rogue’ of the family. During hard times, like the worldwide depression of the 1920’s and two World Wars, this region felt the brunt. Many of the local growers sold their grapes to co-operatives to survive. By the 1960's and 70's, tastes began to change with the consumption of wine dropping. They realized they needed to improve the wines if they wanted to compete.

Fruit quality standards were set and many younger growers, inheriting the family vineyards, decided to make their own wines. Located between the town of Tournus and St. Veran it lies at the crossroads between Northern and Southern France. The change is striking. As you travel south, even the buildings appear different – more Mediterranean in color and style with curved tiles on the rooftops. The climate is decidedly warmer too; in fact harvest begins a full two weeks earlier here than in Chablis. In the centre of the region is Viré-Clessé. Although it was declared as an appellation in 1999, outstanding wines have been made here for centuries. The influence of the warmer climate shows in the well-structured Chardonnays with notes of ripe stone fruits, honeysuckle, citrus peel and wild herbs. The main area, and most famous, is in the south: Pouilly-Fuissé, This region is a beautiful, open amphitheater of vineyards, with the villages in the valley bottom, lying in the shadow of Mont Solutré and Mont Vergisson.. Many of the vineyards border Beaujolais, just over the hills to the south.

The soils here are limestone with some granite as well. The wines are white, made from Chardonnay and display soft apple, pineapple and white peach aromas with wonderful structure and freshness. Burgundy Wine Classification Find better quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Burgundy by understanding how the wines are classified. There are over 100 ‘appellations’ or approved wine growing areas and these are divided into 4 levels of quality. 1% Grand Cru e.g. Crémant de Bourgogne Regional Wines Regional Wines can be made from grapes grown anywhere in Burgundy and tend to be fresh, light and lively making them terrific sippers or aperitif wines. You will find them labeled “Bourgogne Rouge” (red) or “Bourgogne Blanc (white). Don’t forget to check out the back label on these wines! They are now allowed to note the grape variety which can be really helpful. If you like sparkling wines, the delightful “Crément de Bourgogne” is also in this category. Village Wines The next step-up are the “Village” wines named after a town near to where the grapes are sourced.

These wines are still fresh and fruity, with little-to-no oak, but are a tad more complex. Look for names like “Pouilly Fuisse”, “Santenay”, “Givry” or “Mercurey”. Premier Cru Burgundy “Premier Cru” wines are from special vineyard areas within a village. These bits of vineyard are called “climats” (clee-mats) and produce wines that are a bit more intense than the regular old Village wines! This might be because of the type of soil, the way the vineyard faces the morning sun, longer aging in oak or a myriad of other reasons. Premier Crus are still affordable and make marvelous food wines. The label will say “Premier Cru” or “1er Cru”. Grand Cru Burgundy And finally, the big daddies of Bourgogne – the “Grand Cru” with famous names like Romanée Conti, La Tâche, Montrachet and the label will proudly proclaim their status! Although they account for just over 1% of Burgundy’s annual production, these are the wines for which people are willing to pay top dollar.

Bold, powerful, complex and made for cellaring, these are the epitome of both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. There are a total of 33 Grand Cru vineyards in Burgundy – some are just inches away from a Premier Cru vineyard. The most important thing I ever learned about Burgundy is that there are always exceptions to every rule – and here’s one: Remember the levels of wine that apply to Burgundy? Well they don’t in Chablis. The area known for zesty Chardonnay has its very own ranking system. Hilarie Larson Chablis Classification System Petit Chablis Produced from grapes grown surrounding the village, which are higher in acidity and have lots of light citrus character. These are wonderful when drunk young so look for recent vintages. Chablis These wines are a bit rounder and more minerally with grapes sourced from the limestone slopes near the village of Chablis. The majority of the wines we see on our local shelves are in this category.

Premier Cru Chablis Only about 15% of the annual production, these wines are more nuanced and elegant coming from vineyards filled with that wonderful Kimmeridgian limestone marl giving these wines a distinctive character. Look for climate names on the label like “Mont de Milieu” (“Mount in the middle”), “Côte de Léchet” (really zesty) or “Fourchaume” (fruity). Grand Cru Chablis These vineyards are located in a beautiful arc north of the town of Chablis where the steep slopes face south-southwest. There is only, technically, one Grand Cru but there are 7 ‘climats’ inside that Grand Cru and their names will be on the label: Blanchot, Bougros, Les Clos, Grenouilles, Presuses, Valmur and Vaudésir. The Grand Cru wines in Chablis can taste dissimilar to the rest of Chablis because many are aged in oak. The Grand Cru vineyards produce wines that age beautifully with floral honey notes and a refreshing flinty acidity.

Wine From Burgundy in France Wine From Burgundy in France Wine From Burgundy in France White Burgundy, Red Burgundy and Cremant - It's All About Place Bourgogne, France. Olivier Leflaive By Stacy Slinkard Updated December 29, 2016. Burgundy wine is essentially built on two grapes, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with vineyard locations playing a key role in the wine's ultimate character and expression. The highly regarded wine region of Burgundy ("Bourgogne" in French and on bottle labels, pronounced "Bor-gun-yuh") has welcomed oenophiles for centuries. Situated along the Saone River in the east-central portion of France , Burgundy stretches about 100 miles from the top (near the city of Dijon) to bottom (just north of Lyon), producing close to 193 million bottles per year from 68,000 acres under vine in the region's famous chalky, mineral-laden soils. Despite often unpredictable weather patterns, relatively small overall production numbers and somewhat limited availability worldwide, Burgundy evokes an almost mystical following. Burgundy is all about the place.

Like most French wine regions , the place name takes label priority over grape names. The names of appellations, communes and domaines ( wine estates ) dominate the Bourgogne wine label , with little to no label regard for the key grapes contained within. continue reading below our video Why Baking Pans Really Matter While producer, negociant, and regional place names on bottle labels can be confusing for those that don't speak French, keep in mind that Burgundy is built on two grapes: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir . Burgundy Wine By the Numbers: Burgundy's wine production breaks down to 61% white wines, 30% red, and 8% Cremant de Bourgogne (delicious sparkling wines made in the same method as Champagne ). French AOC law dictates that all white Burgundy (aka "Bourgogne Blanc") must be made from the Chardonnay grape and likewise all red Burgundy (aka "Bourgogne Rouge") are crafted from Pinot Noir grapes.

Minor grape varieties add a bit of spice to the sea of Chardonnay (claiming 46% of Burgundy's vines) and Pinot Noir (rocking 36% of the vineyard plantings). These supporting grapes include Aligote (the second most planted white wine grape in Burgundy at 6%), Gamay (a black grape marking 11% of the region's vines) and Sauvignon, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Beurot accounting for less than 1%. Burgundy's Wine Regions: While Burgundy may be significantly smaller in size, especially when compared to its equally celebrated neighbor, Bordeaux, the region's influence, impact, and overall importance on the international wine stage is substantial. Burgundy can be boiled down into five key growing regions or districts to know: Chablis, Côte Chalonnaise, Mâconnais, Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune. These last two districts, Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, are collectively referred to as the famous Côte d'Or, meaning "golden slope" for the region's fall foliage, and represents the most well-known wine district of Burgundy.

The wines of Burgundy maintain an impressive reputation for giving significant voice to the region's exceptional terroir. Elegant, subtle, complex, earth-driven, and filled with finesse, Burgundy's wines consistently maintain the prestigious paradigm and revered model for classic Chardonnay and Pinot Noir the world over. Chablis: Most famous for lively, mineral-driven, bone-dry Chardonnay, Burgundy's most northern region of Chablis is the white wine capital, cultivating Chardonnay vines on limestone rich soil structures. The wines themselves are often referred to simply as "Chablis" around the globe or locally as "Beaunois" a Burgundian term for Chardonnay. Chablis' Grand Cru vineyards congregate on the sunny right bank slopes of the Serein River, while the Premier Cru vineyards tend to gather on south-facing slopes and are rooted in the famous white, chalky, crushed shell Kimmeridgian soils.

It should be noted that Chablis's wine classification mirrors the rest of Burgundy in regards to Grand Cru, Premier Cru, and Village (Chablis) appellations with Petit Chablis added to the label mix as a well-priced, entry-level wine. Côte Chalonnaise: Known for solid, value-driven Pinot Noir, powerful, yet balanced white Burgundy and the regional sparkling wine, Cremant de Bourgogne, the Côte Chalonnaise rides right in the middle of Burgundy along the curve of the Saone River. Look for the village names of Mercurey and Givry on labels and producers such as Domaine Jabot, Louis Latour, and Faively. Mâconnais: Well-reputed for offering some of the region's best bargain Chardonnay, Mâconnais lies in the southern portion of Burgundy. Pouilly-Fuissé is the most well-known appellation in the Mâconnais, offering white wines with plenty of apple and peach, some tropical nuances and citrus notes along with fresh, vibrant acidity.

Côte de Nuits: Located just south of Dijon and named for the town of Nuits-Saint-Georges, the Côte de Nuits produces world class, iconic Pinot Noir with over 20 Grand Cru vineyards. The big name vineyards of Romanée-Conti, Chambertin, and Musigny, just to spotlight a few, are all found in the Côte de Nuits. The top of the Burgundian Pinot Noir line is found here, with wines worthy of aging for decades and prices carrying four and five digits for the crème de la crème. Côte de Beaune: South of Côte de Nuits and making up the other half of the Côte d'Or, the Côte de Beaune enjoys a 70/30 split of reds to whites. However, it's typically the white wines (again from Chardonnay grapes) that make their mark with rich aromas fuller bodies, and earthy herbal undertones overlaid by ripe pear and apple character. The wines from the Côte de Beaune deliver significant quality without busting the budget.

Keep an eye out for wines from Chassagne-Montrachet, Meursault, Pommard, Volnay, and Puligny-Montrachet (all village names). Burgundy's Wine Classifications: When it comes to rolling with mid-tier to high-end Burgundian wines, the region's complex classification system will begin to play a critical role. Essentially there are four quality level classifications based on appellations that apply to all AOC Burgundy wines: Regional Appellations, Village Appellations, Premier Cru Appellations and Grand Cru Appellations. Location, location, location - it plays the vital role in determining where the wines of Burgundy fall on the classification scale. The term "Climat" (pronounced "Clee-ma") is a Burgundian term that lays claim to the extreme role that geography plays in Burgundy's wine scene. A Climat is a well-defined plot of land with very specific soil, slope, and micro-climate conditions. A Climat may be a whole vineyard or just part of one. The higher priced, esteemed vineyards or Climate top the classification at the Grand Cru and Premier Cru levels.

Village wines carry the names of the village (i.e. Beaune, Chablis, Corton, Gevrey-Chambertin) that the vineyards surround. Good every day, entry-level wines with the regional appellation of "Bourgogne" may be sourced from vineyards anywhere in the entire region of Burgundy. Simply stated, the better the vineyard, the better the wine and the higher the classification rank (and price). Regional Wines - Like it sounds, the regional wine classification forms the base of Burgundy's classification pyramid, representing right around 50% of the region-wide wines. It should be noted that somewhere between regional wines and village wines, there is a sort of "catch-all" district rank that is more defined than the region of Burgundy, but not all found from a single village. Essentially, when a few larger regional districts are tied together because of similar quality they may be named as such. Côte de Beaune-Villages is one common example, indicating that the wine is made from grapes that come from one or more villages in the region of Côte de Beaune.

Village Appellations - Weighing in with right around 38% of Burgundy's wine production, these wines carry specific village or town names on the labels (i.e. Pommard, Meursault, Mercury, Pouilly-Fuisse), indicating that the grapes are grown in a specific vineyard village location and not sourced from all of Burgundy. Pommard is a village name that you might see on a bottle label, communicating that all of the grapes were sourced from the village of Pommard in the Burgundian region of Côte de Beaune. Premier Cru - Climbing the classification ladder to the upper echelons of Burgundy's best wines with 10% of the production is the appellation designation of Premier Cru. Meaning "First Growth," Premier Cru refers to wines that have been grown in smaller, AOC defined and well-reputed vineyards to spotlight esteemed terroir (dubbed "Climat" in Burgundy). Labels often carry the shorthand designate "1er Cru" an abbreviation for Premier Cru.

These wines are perfect when it's time to splurge, they typically start in the $60 range on the low end and work well into the $100+ price point fairly quickly. Grand Cru - Representing the top 1% of Burgundy's best wine offerings, with just over 30 vineyards ranked Grand Cru in the Côte d'Or, the Grand Cru wines command international attention. The most famous Grand Cru from Burgundy is undoubtedly Domaine de la Romanée-Conti which can easily ask $5,000-$12,000 per bottle on auction sites. Burgundy's Wine History: With evidence of vines planted by the Celts before 200 B.C. and Roman soldiers growing grapes dating back to the first century, Burgundy was recognized early on as premier real estate for growing grapes. Yet, like many burgeoning European wine regions, it was the Medieval monasteries that deserve primary credit for cultivating the region's scholastic vineyards through the Middle Ages.

Experimenting with grapes and land locations, and quickly recognizing Burgundy's epic influence, along with the dominating force of the regional terroir , the Benedictine and Cistercian monks served to identify and define the most ambitious vineyard locations of the region. These prestigious vineyards were destined to become some of the wine world's most prized grape-growing land possessions. While honing viticultural techniques and traditions, the combined efforts of Benedictine and Cistercian monks laid much of the groundwork for Burgundy's modern wine scene. It wasn't until the French Revolution that the ownership of Burgundy's vineyards transferred from the church and aristocratic circles to individuals in segmented blocks of land. The region's vineyards were further fragmented when Napolean sliced and diced the vineyards by instituting that all inherited land must be divided equally among heirs. To this day it is not unusual to find a 120-acre vineyard owned by 80+ growers, with as little as several rows of vines under the ownership of a single grower. This fragmented system has made the role of the négociant (a collective house that buys regional wines typically by the barrel to blend with other wines from the same region or appellation) extremely important.

Buying Burgundy's Bargain Wine Remember that you won't find "Chardonnay" on the label of a Burgundy wine bottle, so you're looking for specific Chardonnay-producing regions, village, or estates (aka "domaines") names on the bottle. Chablis, Pouilly-Fuisse, Montrachet, Macon-Villages, and Meursault are top picks for white wine finds in Burgundy's vinous landscape. Similarly scout for the village names of Aloxe-Corton, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Pommard, Vougeot, Mercury, Vosne-Romanee, on a bottle label to point you in the right direction for Pinot Noir. Regional wines with the all-encompassing "Bourgogne" designate on the label will be the easiest on the wallet, next are the village wines which tend to increase quality and character for just a little more cash. The Premier Cru and Grand Cru wines from very site specific vineyard locations known for quality (and limited production) ask the most from consumers in terms of cash but promise to deliver bottled delight in return.

Best Value Burgundy Producers to Try: Bouchard Aine & Fils, Domaine Christian Moreau Pere & Fils, Domaine Faiveley, JJ Vincent, Joseph Drouhin, Louis Jadot, Louis Latour, Olivier Leflaive La Chablisienne La Pierrelée Chablis | Wine Info Explore Chablis Chablis is actually a subregion of the renowned French wine region of Burgundy, but it’s often considered a region of its own, an island of grand crus in a sea of lands that don’t produce area of origin wines or that don’t grow grapes at all. Read more Regions in Chablis Regional Style Burgundy Chablis Chablis is the northernmost wine growing region in Burgundy. It's actually closer to Champagne than much of the rest of Burgundy, because it is separated by the Morvan hills. Chablis produces dry white wines made from Chardonnay, and is situated on ancient Jurassic soils that give its wines minerally and flinty accents. In fact, some of the best vineyard sites have a unique soil type known as Kimmeridgean, a distinctive mix of limestone, clay and fossilized oyster shells.

The soil in combination with the cooler climate gives Chablis its distinctive flavor profile as well as a ... Read more Top users in Burgundy Chablis Laroche Chablis | Wine Info Laroche Avg. Rating: 3.7 (22636 ratings) Bourgogne · France Most popular wines from Laroche Explore Chablis Chablis is actually a subregion of the renowned French wine region of Burgundy, but it’s often considered a region of its own, an island of grand crus in a sea of lands that don’t produce area of origin wines or that don’t grow grapes at all. Read more Regions in Chablis Regional Style Burgundy Chablis Chablis is the northernmost wine growing region in Burgundy. It's actually closer to Champagne than much of the rest of Burgundy, because it is separated by the Morvan hills. Chablis produces dry white wines made from Chardonnay, and is situated on ancient Jurassic soils that give its wines minerally and flinty accents. In fact, some of the best vineyard sites have a unique soil type known as Kimmeridgean, a distinctive mix of limestone, clay and fossilized oyster shells.

The soil in combination with the cooler climate gives Chablis its distinctive flavor profile as well as a ... Read more Top users in Burgundy Chablis Fine Wine & Good Spirits: Learn About Wine Regions in France France Wine Regions Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, the South and the Southwest are some of the most important French wine-growing regions, each with its own unique style. Alsace Alsace is in the northeast of France, about 300 miles east of Paris. Sandwiched between the Vosges Mountains to the west and the Rhine River to its east (which marks the German border), Alsace is noted for its quaint half-timbered houses and cobblestone courtyards. The winegrowing region is long and narrow, stretching southward about 70 miles from Strasbourg to Mulhouse along the Route du Vin (wine road). Alsace is sheltered from Atlantic influences by the Vosges Mountains, which rise high enough to block rain clouds pushed by the west winds. As a result of the rain shadow, Alsace is graced with the lowest rainfall in France. Looking at Alsace through the seasons, one discovers relatively mild spring weather, often accompanied by frosts.

Summers are warm, dry and sunny, but peppered with occasional thunderstorms and hail. Fall is marked by humidity, which encourages Botrytis (noble rot), the mold responsible for some vendange tardive (late harvest) and sélection de grains nobles wines. Winters are cold, throwing the vine into a true dormancy. The wide variety of soils, containing elements such as granite, limestone, gneiss, schist and sandstone, helps to bring out the finest characteristics of each grape variety. Shop Wines by Region: Alsace Bordeaux This French powerhouse wine-growing region is known primarily for its world-class blends of red wine. The typical blend contains Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with supporting notes from Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. The skill of the winemakers looms large, as they choose when to pick the different grapes and how to apportion the blend, with the aim of making great wines that age well. Although most of the world calls these wines simply Bordeaux, the British refer to them as Claret. American wines blended with grapes in the traditional Bordeaux style are called Meritage (rhymes with heritage).

Bordeaux wines are typically dry, medium- to full-bodied, with medium acidity and medium to high tannins. They pair with beef, game birds, roasted lamb and venison. The Left Bank The left bank of the Gironde River has well-draining gravel soil and includes the districts of Médoc, Pessac-Léognan, Barsac, Sauternes and Graves. Médoc The Médoc is famed for red blends centered on Cabernet Sauvignon. The district is home to some of the most revered winemaking villages in the world. They are St-Estèphe, Pauillac, St-Julien, Listrac, Moulis and Margaux. Graves Named for its gravelly soil, this area lies to the southeast of Médoc. Red wine dominates, but the area also produces famed white wines. The village of Sauternes makes a dessert wine that relies on the growth of Botrytis to concentrate the grape’s sugars. Sauternes, its smaller sub-appellation Barsac, and Pessac-Léognan are appellations within Graves that are recognized for exceptional quality. The Right Bank The blends from the Right Bank focus more on Merlot than on Cabernet.

This area encompasses the appellations of St-Émilion, Pomerol, Bourg and Blaye. Entre-Deux-Mers Meaning “between two seas,” this is a large district lying between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers before they join to form the Gironde. Shop Wines by Region: Bordeaux Burgundy The purplish-red hue of the wine from this region in Central France inspired the name for the color burgundy. The many monasteries that dot the landscape traditionally maintained their own vineyards and helped to make this the most terroir-oriented region in France, with wines differentiated by the micro climate and soil of their specific vineyards. Burgundy is home to some of the world’s most expensive and celebrated wines — as well as many wallet-friendly alternatives. Chablis A region in the northernmost part of Burgundy known for elegant dry white wines with a minerality quite distinct from the Chardonnay produced by neighboring districts to the south. The Côte d’Or The “golden slope” is one of the world’s premier sources of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It offers big, full-bodied wines and famous Grand Cru wines.

The Mâconnais Named for the town of Mâcon, this region produces elegant, medium-bodied and beautifully balanced white wines that are half the price of wines made in other parts of Burgundy. Almost all of the wine made here is white, with Chardonnay reigning as the main grape variety — there is even a small village in the north named Chardonnay. The most popular village appellation is Pouilly-Fuissé. Beaujolais Further to the south, Beaujolais is known for light, fruity red wines from the Gamay grape that are meant to be drunk young. By French law, Beaujolais Nouveau, the fun, fruity, seasonal wine of the region, can be released no earlier than the third Thursday in November. Racing to taste the year’s first vintage has become a popular tradition around the world. For those looking for a more serious version of Gamay, there are several cru appellations that make very well-respected wines. These include Brouilly, Fleurie, Moulin-À-Vent and Morgon.

Shop Wines by Region: Burgundy Champagne Champagne is a cool northern growing region with sole legal claim to the term “Champagne” for its sparkling wines. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier make up the trio of grapes that serve as the basis for these famous bubblies. True Champagne comes only from France. The Champagne growing area consists of about 70,000 acres planted to Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. The black grapes (Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) yield the softest, ripest wines with ample fruitiness. Chardonnay gives freshness, lightness and elegance to the final blend. The practice of blending wines, a function that rises to the level of art in this region, was developed in Champagne in the 17th century. Encompassing different grape varieties, different vineyards and sometimes even different years, the winemakers can balance variables brought on by the northern climate and create a “house style.” Bottles labeled “Brut” will be dry, and those labeled “Extra Dry” will actually be semi-dry.

There are about 100 Champagne houses, each with its own brand name, or marque. Choosing between them becomes a matter of personal taste since they differ mainly in style: lighter versus fuller in body, elegant versus powerful, or fruity versus flinty. Shop Wines by Region: Champagne The South of France Bordering the Mediterranean coast, the South of France is known for its beautiful scenery, a slow-paced enjoyment of the good things in life, and two main wine-producing areas. The Midi: Languedoc-Roussillon Sprawling from the Spanish border to the Rhône River, this coastal area is the hottest part of France, but the heat is tempered by the Mistral winds that come off the Mediterranean Sea. Nearly 40% of all French wines and 12% of the world’s production comes from this region. The wines generally show the climate, offering ripe fruit, spice (known here as garrigue) and full body. The reds of the region are blends made from varying amounts of, among others, Carignan, Grenache and Syrah.

Look for the wines from Corbières, Côteaux du Languedoc, Côtes du Roussillon, Faugères, Fitou or Minervois. Provence The eastern bookend of France’s Mediterranean coast, Provence covers an area extending north from Marseilles and Nice. Provence has all a wine grower could ask for in climate: a long, hot, dry growing season with cool winds to provide a moderating effect. Highly regarded wines, made from about 50% Mourvèdre blended with Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan and Syrah, come from the tiny area of Bandol. They are deep, spicy and intense wines that are aged at least 18 months in wood. In the three largest areas — Côtes de Provence, Côteaux d’Aix-En-Provence, and Les Baux de Provence — winemakers have begun to incorporate Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, which have brought about more complexity and balance in their wines. Shop Wines by Region: Southern France The Southwest In the southwest the climate is cooler and the resulting wines show less ripeness and lower alcohol content as well as more complexity of flavors.

Bergerac is known for its Bordeaux-like blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec, lighter wines meant to be consumed young. Cahors, where Malbec dominates, forges bigger wines with harder tannins, which generally require a couple of years to soften. Madiran wines require patience because they are based on the Tannat grape (whose name aptly suggests tannin), blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. These wines require three to four years to soften and show their charms. Wine regions of France. Wine Regions of France – France Travel Guide in Featured Articles tagged alsace / bordeaux / burgundy / champagne / drinks-guide / Featured Articles / languedoc / loire valley / regions / rhone / top-feature / wine / wine regions in france While I certainly drink my fair share of French wine, I am by no means an expert on the various vineyards; nor is my palette sophisticated enough to be able to tell you exactly what hints of what you are tasting. That being said, I do know the various French wine regions and what kinds of wine come from which appellations (not sure what an appellation is?

Read French Wine: Understanding the Four Categories ). As France is the country where winemaking and viticulture first was refined and the French defined many different types of wine production, regions of France are now just as synonymous with what wines come from there as what the scenery is like. France is the birthplace of modern winemaking and serves as a model for wine production internationally. Even though it’s only about the size of Texas, France produces between 7 and 8 billion bottles per year and has the second-largest total vineyard area in the world. Learn more about French Wine: Before you head to France, you may be interested in learning more about which wines come from the regions you’llbe visiting. Here is a complete guide on the wine producing regions of France. Loire Valley While this area southwest of Paris has long been known as the former stomping grounds of French Kings, the Loire Valley is also France’s third largest wine producing region and is known for its sparkling wines – it’s France’s second largest region for sparkling wine after Champagne – and for its lighter reds. Whites Loire Valley white wines are perfect for spring and summer, as their fruity aromas and acidity make them lighter.

Rosés The slightly sweet, pink hued rosés that come from the Loire are also known as a perfect summer wine and have a refreshing flavor. Rosés can be the perfect pre-dinner apéritif. Reds Loire Valley reds can be either lighter or full-bodied, but they do have a reputation as being a generally smoother, lighter red than those from Burgundy or Bordeaux. The lighter ones can be served chilled at a summer barbecue, and the fuller bodied are excellent for autumn, or as a slightly lighter alternative to more traditional winter wines. Sparkling (fines bulles) Because Champagne only comes from the Champagne region, the sparkling wine from the Loire Valley is called fines bulles. However, they produce some great sparkling wines that tend to be on the crisper, drier side, much like the whites from this region. Sweet The Loire Valley is known for its sweet wines that make for a great apéritif or dessert wine. Sweet white wines from the Loire are frequently paired with foie gras and are known to work well with blue cheeses as well. Headed to the Loire Valley?

Check out another alocholic beverage made in the Loire and Visit the Cointreau Distillery Bordeaux Bordeaux is not only one of France’s largest wine producing regions, with average vintages producing as many as 900 million bottles a year; Bordeaux wines range from everyday table wines to some of the most prestigious and expensive in the world. There are 57 different appellations of Bordeaux wine made by 10,000 producers (châteaux) from the grapes of 13,000 grape growers. Romans first established many vineyards during their occupation of Saint Emillon more than a hundred years before the birth of Christ. Dry Whites Dry white wines are made throughout the region from a blend dominated by Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, with those from Graves being the most well-known and the only sub-region with a classification for dry white wines. Unlike the lighter whites from the Loire Valley, many of these wines tend to have a significant oak influence. Sweet Whites In several locations and appellations throughout the region, sweet white wine is made from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle grapes affected by noble rot.

The best-known of these appellations is Sauternes, which also have an official classification, and where some of the world’s most famous sweet wines are produced. There are also appellations neighboring Sauternes, on both sides of the Garonne River, where similar wines are made. Try a glass of sauternes paired with foie gras. It’s heaven. I’m not kidding. (Read more about Pâté: A Delicious, Spreadable Treat ). Headed to Bordeaux? Getting from Paris to Bordeaux Burgundy This region produces many of France’s most famous wines, and many of the wines from here are called Burgundies in honor of the region they come from. In fact, Burgundy has a higher number of AOCs (read about appellations in French Wine: Understanding the Four Categories) than any other region in France. While small amounts of rosés and sparkling wines are produced in Burgundy, the region is best known for its Chardonnay-dominated Chablis, its light, young, red Beaujolais Nouveau and its Pinot Noir.

DOWNLOAD OUR TRAVEL GUIDES DOWNLOAD NOW Because of the long history of monasteries making wine in this area, Burgundy is the most terroir-conscious region in France; immense attention is paid to which wines are produced where and in what kind of the 400 types of soil that exist in this region. Below are the main Burgundy Wine classifications: Whites Chardonnay is the most common white wine found in Burgundy. However, the Aligoté is a drier, more acidic white wine that is traditionally used in a kir (white wine mixed with a black currant liqueur called Cassis). Chablis (a Chardonnay) is the best known of Burgundy whites; it a dry white wine known for the purity of its aroma and taste and the cooler weather in the part of France produces its acidity. Reds Ninety percent of the wine production in this region are varieties of red wines, and Burgundy is best known for its Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir grapes grow best in cooler temperatures, which is why the northern region of Burgundy (and also Oregon!) produces great Pinot.

Beaujolais Made from the thin-skinned and tannin-light Gamay grape, Beaujolais wines are light-bodied reds with high acidity that are meant to be drunk “young,” or as soon as possible after bottling. Every year, there are celebrations around France (and the world) during the third week in November to celebrate the release of the Beaujolais Nouveau. >>Read about the Beaujolais Nouveau Festival Rhône This wine region in southern France produces many varieties of wines under different appellations, though the most widely produced and well-known wines are called Côtes du Rhône. Côtes du Rhône is one of the more diverse wine regions in France, producing everything from full-bodied reds to fruity reds and dry, full-bodied whites. Reds The northern Rhône wine producing region is much smaller than the southern, and produces mostly full bodied reds from the Syrah grape. It is called the Côte–Rôtie (roasted slope) for the large amounts of sunshine this area gets, sweetening the grapes more than others.

The southern Rhône wine region produces mostly full-bodied Syrahs and is also the birthplace of the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system, which defines the many vineyard regions of France. The reds from the southern Rhône region are known for being fine wines at more affordable prices than Burgundies and Bordeaux. Whites South of the Côte–Rôtie and the full-bodied syrahs, the Rhône Valley produces white wines from the Viognier grape in the region of Condrieu. These whites are known as rather intense with fresh acidity and higher alcohol content. Rosé There is a small appellation in the Rhône region called Tavel that produces rosé wines. While these wines are not well known, they do have a bit of a cult following. Rosé from this region uses mostly Grenache grapes and are best drunk young. Languedoc-Roussillon Much like nearby Bordeaux, the origins of vineyards in Languedoc-Roussillon in southwestern France date back to Greek and Roman times (you will often see bottles of wine from this region labeled Vin de Pays d’Oc).

This dry, warm region gets little rainfall and is actually the most productive wine region in the world. It stretches from the hills of Corbières at the foot of the Pyrénées to the Mediterranean coast and is the sunniest region in France, which allows for a slightly longer growing season and makes the climate more similar to wine growing regions in Spain than France. Reds This region’s red wines tend to be spicy and full-bodied. The area is home to many different grape varieties from Merlot to Cabernet Sauvignon to Syrah. Whites Several different types of whites come from here, including the Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Grenache and Muscat Blanc grape varieties. These white wines have a reputation of being on the drier side. Vins Doux Naturels These are “naturally sweet” wines, which means they have been fortified with brandy to stop fermentation and to add sweetness. The majority of these sweet white wines are made using Muscat grapes, have a higher alcohol content (up to 17%) and contain more sugars.

Crémant de Limoux Although these sparkling wines are made using the methode champenoise, because it does not actually come from the Champagne region the sparkling wine from this region is called cremant de Limoux. The sparkling wines from this region are made with the same method to make Champagne and are made in the small villages surrounding (obviously) Limoux. The wines are normally composed of a combination of Mauzac, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc grapes. Alsace This region in northern France is known mostly for its dry whites and sparkling wines, which grow and age well in the cooler, damper climate than in the hotter and more sun-drenched southern regions of France. Because Alsace region has changed hands between the French and Germans several times over the past few centuries, this region has historically had very close ties with Germany and German culture. This also applies to the wines, which produces some of the best Rieslings and aromatic Gewürztraminer wines. Because of its Germanic influence, it is the only region in France to produce mostly varietal wines, typically from similar grapes used in German wine.

Reds Almost all the wines from Alsace are whites, with the exception of a few Pinot Noirs, which tend to have a paler red skin and are often almost rose in color. Whites The vast majority of wines from Alsace are whites, which tend to be floral and spicy in flavor. Since wines from this region are seldom aged in oak barrels, it means they tend to fairly pure in character. Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer wines from Alsace have higher sugar content and tend to be sweeter, whereas the region’s Riesling, Muscat and Sylvaner wines tend to be much drier. Sparkling (or Crémant d’Alsace) Alsace produces a significant amount of sparkling wine using the traditional methode champenoise and mostly Pinot Blanc grapes. Champagne While this is not technically an entire large region, it is well known as only sparkling wine from this specific appellation in France can be called Champagne. The method for making Champagne was invented in this area in northeastern France near the city of Reims, about 100 miles from Paris.

However, long before this region became mostly known for its bubbly, Champagne was a major wine growing region in France starting in the Middle Ages. In fact, the Champagne region and Burgundy have a centuries-old rivalry and during the reign of Louis XIV, these two major wine producing regions would come to Versailles to compete for dominance. Reds Because this region of France is located farther north and in an area with limited sunshine, this is actually a difficult area for grapes to fully ripen. This means that most of the wines coming from Champagne tend to be whites and sparkling, as these more acidic grape varieties do better in the climate. However, that being said, the cooler climate also is perfect for the growing of Pinot Noir, which make the best reds from this area. Whites Champagne is known for its Chardonnay. The cooler climates and soil tend to give these grapes a higher acidic content and they tend to be lighter, crisper and less fruity than the wines from regions further south. Champagne Of course, the Champagne region is best known for Champagne. In fact, the area was the birthplace of la methode champenoise and is where the first bottles of the sparkling wine were created.

Envious of the stellar reputation of the Burgundy wines from the south, the Champenois (i.e. people from Champagne) sought to produce wines of equal acclaim. However, the northerly climate of the region gave the Champenois a unique set of challenges in making red wine—the cooler temperatures meant grapes would struggle to ripen fully and often would have bracing levels of acidity and low sugar levels. But the same conditions that made producing good red wines difficult in the Champagne region also proved to be the reason for sparkling wines to succeed. Want to know more about Champagne? Compare Chablis Offers | Wines Direct Chablis The Wines of Chablis So many people are still confused about Chablis, some mistaking it for a grape variety making a wine of the same name. However Chablis [pronounced shabli] is the northernmost wine producing district of the Burgundy region in France and represents the principal vineyards of the Yonne department. Some of the finest white wines available in the Wine World can be experienced from in this location, steeped in wine history with cuisine to match.

The grapevines around the town of Chablis are almost all Chardonnay , making a dry white wine renowned for the purity of its aroma and taste. The cool climate of this region produces wines with more acidity and flavours, and although less fruity than Chardonnay wines grown in warmer climates, they represent Chardonnay at its natural and original finest. The wines often have a ‘steely or flinty’ note, sometimes described by their creators and local Chablis lovers as ‘gout de pierre a fusil’ [tasting of gun flint] In comparison to the white wines from the rest of Burgundy and much of the New World, Chablis has a much less Oak influence. In fact most basic Chablis have seen no oak at all being ‘vinified’ in stainless steel tanks. The amount of barrel maturation, if any, is a stylistic choice which varies widely among Chablis producers. Many Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines receive some maturation in oak barrels, but typically the time in barrel and the proportion of new barrels is much smaller than for the white wines of Cote de Beaune.

It is to be noted that some traditional French wine producers regard the flavours of oak in wine making to the flavours of garlic in cuisine. ‘If you can taste it when you shouldn’t then you have used too much’. In other words it is ‘another ingredient of the recipe’ only to complement and should not be overdone. It was once said that “There is no such thing as cheap luxury”. But in the wines of Chablis, you can experience both. The Style of Chablis On the Eye: Chablis should be pale straw with a slight green tinge with emerald or blush pink highlights. On the Nose: Very fresh mineral bouquet evoking green apples, lemons, light honey and grapefruit. As it develops it acquires notes of the underwood and meadow mushrooms, together with scents of mint, lime blossom and white blossom, even violets in some cases. Maturity gives the wine a spicy dimension. On the Palate: An after-taste of gun flint, being bone dry with great finesse and a distinctive personality.

Chablis Classifications There are 4 classifications of Chablis covering some 20 villages – Chablis Grand Cru – Chablis Premier Cru – Chablis and Petit Chablis . The 2 most significant in terms of quality being the Premier and Grand Crus. [You can read our guide for those two products by clicking on their name]. The History of Chablis The vines are planted on south/south east facing slopes along the Serein River. First discovered by the Cistercian Monks of the Abbaye de Pontigny founded in 1114 and which also provided a refuge for Thomas Becket for the 2 years from1165 to1166. They realised that this position and the micro-climate with its cold spring, was essential for the dry honey-scented flavour of the wine. If you have the chance to visit Chablis, it is a must. Medieval villages, the famous vineyards of Chablis and the Abbaye de Pontigny all rest in the path of the glorious Serein river that provides all you need, walking, cycling or just plain relaxation with all the delights of the finest local wines and cuisine at every turn.

There is evidence of the town’s lasting prosperity all around. The wine domains, the boutiques and specialist shops, the luxurious hotels and restaurants all await the inquisitive and the most discerning of visitors will not be disappointed. Visit Domaine Michel Laroche in Rue Auxerre or their new venture, the Laroche wine bar, boutique hotel, restaurant and shop, the Hotel de Vieux Moulin, [the Old Mill] 18 Rue des Moulins, to taste some of the best of local wines. Laroche offer a one day wine course, with lunch included. Another cellar worth visiting is William Fevre at 14 Rue Jules Rathier, what used to be the old Chablis hospital. His restaurant is next door where you can taste wines by the glass with each regional dish. There is also a bistro-wine bar for less formal meals. Local cheeses in this region are so varied, with rustic freshly baked bread they are a banquet on their own. Tasting Chablis and Matching with Food I always recommend that you taste and savour the best Chablis on their own as they are classics in their own right, but to match them with food is also a delight and quite a simple task.

Being from a limestone bed rock with mineral and oyster fossils Chablis has long had a love affair with the best quality fish and sea food. Traditional Chablis with its wonderful steely and mineral flavours makes a great companion for oysters, grilled white fish and all seafood, pan-fried salmon, risottos and all styles of vegetarian dishes. You may need however a slightly heavier oaked chardonnay with meaty fish such as tuna and swordfish. I have listed a recipe below for you to find under our Wine with Food section, but I have chosen for demonstration a true ‘Bourgogne’[Burgundy ] recipe below for you to try, simplicity is the key. Volaille a la Creme au Chablis et Estragon – Chicken cooked in Chablis with Tarragon and Cream [Cooking and preparation time – 30/40 minutes] This recipe is so simple and adaptable that it can be enjoyed at a BBQ, for lunch or dressed for dinner. It is also a great banquet choice for Weddings and celebrations.

Angela Mount's Top 10 French Wines At Waitrose Cellar Waitrose continue to scoop up medals and awards galore for their wine range; the latest in a long line is being crowned ‘best supermarket for French wine’ in the recently announced Harpers 2014 French wine awards. The Waitrose French wine range is extensive and includes over 350 wines, ranging from tip top, premium classics, including some cleverly snapped up older vintages, to some of the very best and affordable French wines on the market. With an expert team of buyers, including a number of… France Try The Beaujolais Nouveau 2014 The third Thursday of November, all Beaujolais lovers celebrate the arrival of the new vintage of Beaujolais. Discover the 2014 vintage and its new style! Last year, Beaujolais Nouveau was wearing a dress thanks to a collaboration with the fashion world. For the 2014 vintage, they asked a French artist to design the bottle and illustrate the motto: Beaujolais Nouveau, a French art. Skywak is a young artist from Lille, Northern France, specialized in street art.

He chose to work on a festive… France Beaujolais Nouveau 2013 Today is the release of Beaujolais Nouveau (New Beaujolais). So what’s this all about? Every year, on the third Thursday of November, the Beaujolais Nouveau is released at 12:01am in France. It is the earliest wine of the year, sold just 6 weeks after it’s been harvested. It is a very good occasion for people to celebrate and taste this new wine. Everywhere in France, there are fireworks, festivals and tastings in cafes and restaurants. This celebration has also been exported to other countries… Prev Next Showing 1 to 3 of 5 guides × Never Miss Another Wine Offer Get a £40 Laithwaites Wine Voucher Code. Simply enter your email address below: 20 wine merchants in just one search *weekly email - never shared - never spam Close French Wine Growing Regions - an Overview Sparkling Wines & Champagne Updated February 04, 2016. There are seven primary wine-producing regions in France.

Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Loire, Provence and the Rhone Valley comprise the dominant French wine regions. These regions, are known for particular grape varietals as dictated by the district's indigenous terroir . French Wine Growing Regions - An Overview Bordeaux - With over 10,000 winegrowers and over 60 diverse growing appellations, it is no wonder that Bordeaux is the red wine hound of France. Over 85% of the wine produced in Bordeaux is red, primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon , Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes. The two prevailing red wine-producing subregions of Bordeaux are aptly referred to as "Left Bank" and "Right Bank." The left bank has soils with higher gravel content that favor Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. continue reading below our video Why the Vitamix is Way Cooler Than You Even Thought French wines from the left bank usually require more time to mature and will age for years. While the right bank lends itself to soil with more clay, preferring the Merlot grapes, with their early-ripening characteristics.

The right bank wines are typically better suited for beginning Bordeaux wine drinkers, as they have lower tannin content, more fruit-forward flavor and are more inviting initially. Bordeaux wines can fit a myriad of budgets with prices per bottle ranging from $6 to $1000+, with $20-30 buying a very nice wine, perfect for dinner parties or gift-giving. It should also be noted that the Bordeaux region is also famed for Sauternes , a delightfully sweet white wine that has earned a reputation for being among the world's best for dessert wines. Burgundy - The French wine-growing region of Burgundy is legendary for its legacy of both red Burgundy ( Pinot Noir ) and white Burgundy wines ( Chardonnay ). Burgundy lies on the eastern side of France and covers just over 100 miles. The dominating grape varietals grown in this region are Pinot Noir (making Red Burgundy wines), Chardonnay (making White Burgundy wines) and Gamay (making Beaujolais). Burgundy's moderate climate with warm summers and cold winters allow the high-maintenance Pinot Noir grape to grow particularly well.

Red Burgundy wines are often on the pricier side; however, if you are looing for a recommended producer start with Louis Jadot - notable for producing consistent, quality Burgundies vintage after vintage. White Burgundy is a Chardonnay Lover's delight, with flavors of peaches and honey, crisp acidity and complex flavors that pair particularly well with seafood. Chablis are a unique forms of Chardonnay as they are not aged in oak, but instead winemakers ferment them in stainless steel, making a lighter-bodied white wine. As for Beaujolais - this is certainly a fun, affordable and very approachable red wine. Perfect for those beginning their red wine adventures, with lots of fruit-flavor, low tannins and general palate appeal. You can pick up a Beaujolais for $8 to $20. These are terrific warm weather wines. Prev

Question: Chablis is the northernmost district of which French wine growing region?
Answer: BURGUNDY