An Insider’s Guide to Burgundy: Regions, Producers and Styles

Burgundy is one of the world’s most revered wine regions. From the cool slopes of Chablis in the north to the sunlit hills of the Mâconnais in the south, it is defined by a patchwork of vineyards — each with its own history, soil and character. For centuries, families have tended these climats, producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that reflect their origins with precision. This guide explores the regions, classifications and producers that shape Burgundy, highlighting the bottles worth knowing and why they remain at the centre of fine wine culture.

The Burgundy Difference

Burgundy’s magic lies in terroir, the belief that soil, slope, climate and human touch combine to create a wine’s identity. Here, geology tells the story: ancient limestone from a prehistoric seabed in Chablis, marl and clay across the Côte d’Or, and warmer, sunlit slopes in the south. The classification system reflects this focus on place:

• Regional wines: Bourgogne Rouge and Blanc offer a first taste of the region’s style.
• Village wines: From names like Meursault or Gevrey-Chambertin, these wines begin to show the character of their commune.
• Premier Cru: Vineyard-specific wines, each labelled with its climat, offering a step up in focus and structure.
• Grand Cru: Just 1% of production, from sites such as Bonnes-Mares or Corton-Charlemagne, crafted for collectors and cellars.

The Regions of Burgundy

Chablis

In Burgundy’s north, Chablis produces Chardonnay with a style that is unique to the region. The vineyards rest on Kimmeridgian limestone, rich in fossilised seashells, giving wines their famous chalky minerality. The cool climate preserves acidity, resulting in precise, crystalline wines that can be enjoyed young or with age.

Wines Worth Knowing: Louis Jadot Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume 2021, Domaine Chanson Chablis 1er Cru Montmains 2021.

Côte de Nuits

This is the heartland of Pinot Noir, where many of the world’s most celebrated reds are produced. The slopes face east, catching the morning sun and allowing slow, even ripening. Wines from Gevrey-Chambertin often show power and structure, Chambolle-Musigny is famed for silk and perfume, and Vosne-Romanée for complexity and spice. Generations of domaines have shaped the reputation of these villages, from historic estates like Rousseau to newer names redefining Burgundy’s future.

Wines Worth Knowing: Domaine Armand Rousseau Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2021, Sylvain Cathiard Chambolle-Musigny ‘Le Clos de l’Orme’ 2022, Domaine Dujac Bonnes Mares Grand Cru 2022, Domaine Collotte Gevrey-Chambertin Les Evocelles 2022.

Côte de Beaune

South of the Côte de Nuits, the Côte de Beaune is where Burgundy reveals its dual personality. Villages like Volnay and Pommard produce reds with finesse and silken tannins, while Meursault, Puligny and Chassagne-Montrachet are home to some of the most sought-after white wines in the world. Soils vary from limestone-rich slopes to deeper clay, giving Chardonnay both structure and richness. Producers like Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey and Marquis d’Angerville highlight why the Côte de Beaune is equally celebrated for red and white.

Wines Worth Knowing: Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2022, Joseph Colin Saint Aubin 1er Cru En Remilly 2023, Marquis d’Angerville Volnay 1er Cru Fremiet 2022, Benjamin Leroux Meursault 2022, Pierre-Vincent Girardin Puligny-Montrachet 2022.

Côte Chalonnaise

Once overshadowed by the Côte d’Or, the Côte Chalonnaise has earned recognition for wines that balance quality with value. Pinot Noir from Mercurey and Givry delivers generous fruit and earthy spice, while Montagny produces Chardonnay with freshness and lift. Many domaines here are family-run, continuing traditions that make the region a source of characterful, approachable Burgundy.

Wines Worth Knowing: Domaine Collotte Marsannay Les Grasses Têtes 2021, Benjamin Leroux Côte de Nuits-Villages 2022.

Mâconnais

Further south, the Mâconnais benefits from warmer summers and rolling hills. Chardonnay here is more generous, with ripe fruit and rounded textures, making it an accessible entry into Burgundy. Pouilly-Fuissé in particular produces wines with both charm and depth, increasingly recognised for their quality.

Wines Worth Knowing: Benjamin Leroux Bourgogne Aligoté 2021, Domaine Fabien Coche Auxey-Duresses Blanc 2022.

Producers to Know

Burgundy’s reputation rests on its domaines. These are not simply labels but families and philosophies that have shaped the region over centuries. Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey has become a cult figure for his precise, mineral whites, while Benjamin Leroux is known for reinterpreting classic terroirs with a modern sensibility. Marquis d’Angerville represents Volnay elegance, Dujac brings the polish of Morey-Saint-Denis, and Armand Rousseau’s Grand Crus remain benchmarks of Gevrey-Chambertin.

How to Enjoy Burgundy

Pinot Noir: Expect bright red fruits, spice and earthy notes. Serve with duck, mushroom risotto or coq au vin.

Chardonnay: From the steely purity of Chablis to the nutty depth of Meursault, pair with scallops, lobster or roast poultry.

Burgundy Questions, Answered

What grape is Burgundy known for? Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Is Burgundy wine good for ageing? Yes, especially Premier Cru and Grand Cru wines.

What is the difference between Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune? Côte de Nuits is renowned for Pinot Noir, Côte de Beaune for Chardonnay.

What is the difference between Burgundy and Bordeaux wine? Burgundy focuses on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Bordeaux on blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and other varieties.

Are all Burgundy wines expensive? No, while Grand Cru wines are rare and costly, excellent value can be found in Bourgogne, Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais wines.

What does terroir mean in Burgundy? Terroir refers to the unique combination of soil, climate and slope that shapes the flavour of each vineyard.

When is the best time to drink Burgundy wines? Village wines can be enjoyed young, while Premier and Grand Cru wines often benefit from ageing 5 to 20 years depending on the vintage.

The Kent Street Edit

Kent Street Cellars curates Burgundy with precision. From rare Grand Cru allocations to Bourgogne Blanc and Rouge that deliver everyday character, every bottle is chosen to reflect provenance and drinkability. With same-day delivery in Sydney and fast shipping across Australia, our Burgundy range brings this historic region to your table.