Chablis / Grand Auxerrois: Located in the northern part of Burgundy, Chablis and Auxerrois are renowned for their pure, mineral white wines made from the Chardonnay grape. The limestone-rich soil of Kimmeridgian clay and limestone gives the wines a distinctive freshness and minerality, often with notes of green apple, citrus, and sometimes a saline undertone.
Côte de Nuits: This area, located south of Dijon, is famous for its exquisite red wines made from the Pinot Noir grape. The Côte de Nuits is home to some of the most prestigious vineyards, such as Vosne-Romanée and Gevrey-Chambertin. The wines from this region are complex, with deep flavors of red and black fruit, earthy tones, and great aging potential.
Côte de Beaune: Directly south of the Côte de Nuits, the Côte de Beaune is primarily known for its white wines made from Chardonnay, although excellent red wines are also produced. Well-known appellations include Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, and Chassagne-Montrachet, where wines exhibit a rich, buttery texture and complex flavors of ripe fruit, hazelnut, and vanilla.
Côte Chalonnaise: This region, located south of the Côte de Beaune, produces both red and white wines that are often more affordable than those from their northern neighbors. Appellations like Mercurey and Givry are known for their elegant Pinot Noir wines, while Rully and Montagny deliver excellent white wines from Chardonnay with vibrant acidity and fruity aromas.
Mâconnais: The southernmost wine region of Burgundy, known for its approachable and fruity white wines made from the Chardonnay grape. Wines from appellations like Pouilly-Fuissé and Saint-Véran are famous for their ripe fruit aromas, floral notes, and often a touch of minerality. The Mâconnais also produces some red wines from the Gamay and Pinot Noir grapes.