Understanding Bourgogne Rouge and Bourgogne Blanc
The wines are produced from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, respectively. While these wines sit at the base of Burgundy’s classification system, their quality can vary enormously. Some bottles offer simple, everyday drinking; others, especially those crafted by top-tier producers or sourced from well-situated parcels, can rival far more prestigious labels in complexity and finesse. This diversity is part of their charm and the thrill for drinkers seeking value in Burgundy.
Unlike the more geographically defined village-level, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru appellations, “Bourgogne” wines are labelled under a regional designation that can, in theory, span the entire Burgundy vineyard area. As such, they serve as a broad but revealing introduction to the region’s signature grapes and winemaking styles.