Burgundy
Main grapes: RED - Pinot Noir, WHITE - Chardonnay
Sub-regions: Chablis, Côte d’Or
Climate: Burgundy is not a one climate show by any means. In the north of the region (i.e. Chablis) it’s labeled ‘cool continental’, which to you or me is basically humid with cold winters and warm summers – so, in short, irritatingly British. The southern part of Burgundy have been dubbed ‘moderate continental’, so that’s pretty much the same as above but just with less of the extremes.
You should know... There are a lot of fancy appellations in Burgundy, but I promise that they do actually mean something and they are quite important (honest)…if nothing else because they’re a fairly solid indicator of both quality, and perhaps more helpfully for the students among you, price! Bourgogne Rouge and Bourgogne Blanc, for example, are probably the most standard of these appellations and can come from anywhere in Burgundy. Topping the hierarchy are the grand cru vineyards – you can spot these by checking the label as only the name of the vineyard is included, they’re a bit Beyoncé-esque; you know you’ve reached peak fame when you only need one name.
Sub-regions: Chablis, Côte d’Or
Climate: Burgundy is not a one climate show by any means. In the north of the region (i.e. Chablis) it’s labeled ‘cool continental’, which to you or me is basically humid with cold winters and warm summers – so, in short, irritatingly British. The southern part of Burgundy have been dubbed ‘moderate continental’, so that’s pretty much the same as above but just with less of the extremes.
You should know... There are a lot of fancy appellations in Burgundy, but I promise that they do actually mean something and they are quite important (honest)…if nothing else because they’re a fairly solid indicator of both quality, and perhaps more helpfully for the students among you, price! Bourgogne Rouge and Bourgogne Blanc, for example, are probably the most standard of these appellations and can come from anywhere in Burgundy. Topping the hierarchy are the grand cru vineyards – you can spot these by checking the label as only the name of the vineyard is included, they’re a bit Beyoncé-esque; you know you’ve reached peak fame when you only need one name.