Burgundy wines

The history of Burgundy wines dates back more than 2000 years. At that time, wine was primarily produced and consumed by the Romans. When the Romans invaded Gaul, particularly Burgundy, they realized that the Burgundian lands were ideal for wine production. Thus, they began producing Burgundy wines. Later, during the Middle Ages, wine was considered a sacred drink by the Church, and great efforts were made to develop vineyards and winemaking methods. By the 17th century, power had shifted from the Church to the Court, the nobility, and the upper bourgeoisie. French wine became an essential part of many grand meals at the Court. Burgundy wine was no longer known only in France but also abroad, especially in England. The 18th and 19th centuries were marked by advancements in winemaking techniques, leading to noticeable improvements. National classifications were organized to distinguish and promote the best wines on the market.

With the world wars of the early 20th century, wine production and sales declined. The fall in production and sales forced some winemakers to sell their lands in order to survive.

In 1935, the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) classification for Burgundy wines was created, allowing Burgundy wines to gain prestige and recognition. Today, Burgundy wines are known and appreciated worldwide. It is important to note that one out of every two bottles is exported, with the United States, England, and Japan being the three largest consumers of Burgundy wines.

The vineyards that produce Burgundy wine stretch from Auxerre to Mâcon, covering an area of 27,200 hectares. There are five sub-regions of production: Chablis and Yonne, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise, and Mâconnais. Each of these sub-regions has a different climate, allowing them to offer distinct wines. There are four major grape varieties in Burgundy: Chardonnay (48%), Pinot Noir (36%), Gamay (10%), and Aligoté (6%). There are, of course, other grape varieties such as Sauvignon, César, and Sacy, but together they account for only 2% of the land.

In France, many prestigious wines are classified as Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC). Burgundy AOC wines alone represent 20% of all French AOC wines, a significant share that underscores their excellence. There are 100 Burgundy AOC wines, which are grouped into three categories: Regional AOCs, Village/Commune AOCs, and Grand Cru AOCs. Regional AOCs cover the entire Burgundy region and account for 23 AOCs. Village/Commune AOCs are named after a specific village, and their territory is limited to that village; there are 44 Village/Commune AOCs. Finally, Grand Cru AOCs are wines produced from designated parcels of land, of which there are 33.