5 Fun Facts About Burgundy

Ancient Wine Heritage: The Burgundy wine region, known as "Bourgogne" in French, has been producing wine for over 2,000 years. The Romans first introduced viticulture to the area, and monks in the Middle Ages refined the winemaking process, laying the foundation for the high-quality wines produced today.

Terroir Focus: Burgundy is renowned for its concept of "terroir," which emphasizes the unique combination of soil, climate, and vine that influences the character of the wine. The region's wines are often labeled by the specific vineyard they come from, reflecting this strong focus on terroir.

Two Main Grape Varieties: The region is predominantly known for two grape varieties; Pinot Noir for red wines and Chardonnay for white wines. These varieties thrive in Burgundy's climate and soil, producing some of the most esteemed and expensive wines in the world.

Complex Classification System: Burgundy's wines are classified into four main categories; Grand Cru, Premier Cru, Village, and Regional. Grand Cru wines represent the highest quality and come from the best vineyard sites, while Regional wines are more general and often more affordable.

Small and Fragmented Vineyards: Unlike many other wine regions, Burgundy's vineyards are highly fragmented. The Napoleonic inheritance laws, which required land to be divided equally among heirs, resulted in numerous small vineyard plots. This fragmentation means that many vineyards are shared among multiple winemakers, each producing their own distinctive wine from the same vineyard.

It's my favorite: Burgundy's Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines are renowned for their elegance, complexity, and subtlety.  These wines are often considered some of the finest in the world. The region's focus on quality over quantity ensures that even lesser-known producers often craft exceptional wines.

Contributed by Blake Leland, Sommelier for Plume Ridge Bottle Shop.