Bourgogne

Burgundy is where the philosophy of terroir was born and perfected. This narrow strip of vineyards running from Chablis in the north to the Mâconnais in the south produces the world's most sought-after Pinot Noir and Chardonnay—often from single vineyards no larger than a few hectares. The Burgundian classification system, formalized by monks of Cîteaux and Cluny centuries ago, ranks vineyards into four tiers: regional Bourgogne, village wines, Premier Cru, and the exalted Grand Cru. This hierarchy enshrines the belief that specific plots of land produce distinctly superior wine, vintage after vintage. The Côte d'Or ("Golden Slope") forms Burgundy's heart, divided into the Côte de Nuits (primarily red wines from villages like Gevrey-Chambertin and Vosne-Romanée) and the Côte de Beaune (both red and white, including Pommard, Volnay, and Meursault). Ownership is famously fragmented—the result of Napoleonic inheritance laws. The 50-hectare Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru has over 80 different owners. This fragmentation means quality varies dramatically by producer, making the grower's name as important as the vineyard.