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A beginner's Guide to Burgundy Wines

A beginner-friendly guide explaining what Burgundy wines are, how they're classified and what to expect from their red and white styles.

Zoe Aslan

4/1/20262 min read

green plants under cloudy sky
green plants under cloudy sky

A Beginner’s Guide to Burgundy Wines

Burgundy wines are among the most celebrated and sought-after wines in the world. Known for their elegance, complexity, and deep connection to terroir, they can feel intimidating to beginners—but they don’t have to be. This guide will walk you through the essentials so you can start exploring Burgundy wines with confidence.

What Are Burgundy Wines?

Burgundy wines come from the Burgundy region in eastern France. Unlike many wine regions that focus on blends, Burgundy is primarily about single-grape varietals:

  • Pinot Noir for red wines

  • Chardonnay for white wines

This simplicity is what makes Burgundy unique—the focus is on how the grape expresses itself in different soils, climates, and vineyard locations.

Why Burgundy Is So Special

The concept of terroir is central to Burgundy. This French term refers to how environmental factors influence a wine’s character, including:

  • Soil composition

  • Climate

  • Slope and elevation of vineyards

  • Winemaking traditions

Even vineyards just a few meters apart can produce noticeably different wines. This is why Burgundy is divided into many small vineyard plots, each with its own identity.

The Burgundy Wine Classification System

Burgundy has a hierarchical classification system that can seem complex at first, but it’s quite logical.

1. Regional Wines

  • Broadest category

  • Labeled simply as “Bourgogne”

  • More affordable and great for beginners

2. Village Wines

  • Named after specific villages (e.g., Meursault, Gevrey-Chambertin)

  • Higher quality and more character

3. Premier Cru (1er Cru)

  • Wines from specific vineyard sites within a village

  • More refined, with greater aging potential

4. Grand Cru

  • The highest classification

  • Produced from the very best vineyard plots

  • Often expensive and highly collectible

Red Burgundy (Pinot Noir)

Red Burgundy wines are made from Pinot Noir and are known for:

  • Light to medium body

  • Red fruit flavors (cherry, raspberry, strawberry)

  • Earthy and floral notes

  • High acidity and elegant structure

They are typically not heavy or tannic like some other red wines, making them very food-friendly.

Best paired with:

  • Roast chicken

  • Duck

  • Lamb

  • Mushroom-based dishes

White Burgundy (Chardonnay)

White Burgundy is made from Chardonnay, but it’s very different from heavily oaked styles found elsewhere.

Characteristics include:

  • Medium to full body

  • Flavors of apple, citrus, pear

  • Notes of butter, hazelnut, and minerality

  • Balanced acidity

Some are aged in oak, adding richness, while others are more crisp and mineral-driven.

Best paired with:

  • Seafood

  • Chicken in cream sauces

  • Soft cheeses

  • Grilled vegetables

Tips for Beginners

  • Start with regional wines to understand the basic style without spending too much.

  • Try both red and white Burgundy to see which you prefer.

  • Pay attention to producers—in Burgundy, the winemaker often matters as much as the vineyard.

  • Don’t worry about age—many Burgundy wines are enjoyable young.

  • Experiment with food pairings to fully appreciate their versatility.

Common Beginner Mistakes

  • Assuming all Burgundy wines taste the same

  • Overpaying for Grand Cru wines before understanding the basics

  • Expecting bold, full-bodied flavors like Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Ignoring vintage differences (weather can significantly affect quality)

Final Thoughts

Burgundy wines reward curiosity and patience. While the region’s classification system and reputation can seem complex, the core idea is simple: expressing the pure character of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay through unique vineyard sites.

For beginners, the best approach is to explore gradually—taste different levels, compare styles, and enjoy the journey. Over time, you’ll begin to notice subtle differences that make Burgundy one of the most fascinating wine regions in the world.

Contact

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Email

admin@bouchonsandcoimports.co.uk

Phone

07857 369402

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