Burgundy Climate, Terroir, and Main Grape Varieties
Climate and Terroir
Burgundy is located east of the Loire Valley and south of Champagne. Burgundy is separated into four growing regions, Chablis, Côte d’Or, Côte Chalonnaise, and Mâconnais. The climate and soil of the region varies from the Chablis in the north to Maconnais to the south. The climate is cooler to the north and becomes more moderate continental as you move south. The Massif Central to the west of Côte d’Or provides protection from strong westerly winds. Burgundy’s prime vineyards are located on the south and south-east facing slopes.
Chablis is located in the valley of the Serein River. It is separated from the remainder of the Burgundy region by 80 miles. In fact it is closer to Champagne. The climate of Chablis is cooler, making frost more of a problem for growers and also making it harder for grapes to fully ripen. The best vineyards are planted on the South facing slopes of the valley in order to achieve the most sunshine to ripen the grapes. Additionally, the soil type of Chablis also plays a large role in the effects of terroir on the wine. Kimmeridgian Marl soil is a mixture of clay, limestone, and ancient fossils. The grapes are able to drain water, but retain just enough for growth. With the soil type and cooler climate, the Chardonnays of Chablis are high acid wines with bright citrus, apple notes and minerality.
The Côte d’Or is located southwest of the city of Dijon and parallels the west bank of the Saône River. The northern portion of the Côte d’Or is called the Côte de Nuits and the southern portion is called the Côte de Beaune. The hills formed by the Massif Central located to the north and west protect it from strong cold winds. It creates a continental climate with hot summers, cold winters, and a larger diurnal shift. Hail storms during the summer provide a potential problem to vineyard growers. It disrupts the flowering, fruit set, and damages grape clusters.
The Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnaise is located further south. Since it is closer in proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, the climate is warmer and it moderates the cold winters. There is less limestone present and the slopes have a lesser aspect than the Côte d’Or.
Grape Varietals and Wine Styles
The two main grapes grown in Burgundy are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. A majority of whites are 100% Chardonnay and the majority of reds are 100% Pinot Noir.
Chardonnay is the only grape grown in Chablis, but accounts for nearly half of the grape production in Burgundy. Chardonnay styles vary throughout the region. In Chablis, Chardonnays are produced with high acidity, minerality and citrus fruit notes. Winemakers will use inert vessels and avoid oak. In the south, Chardonnay will be fuller bodied and more complex. Chardonnay from the Côte de Beaune can ripen more fully and have a richer flavor profile than Chablis. Barrel aging for 6-9 months is more common as well as the use of malolactic conversion, and aging sur lie. The best Chardonnays have the ability to age for more than ten years.
Pinot Noir is grown throughout Burgundy. However, the best vineyards producing Pinot Noir are located in the Côte d’Or, but particularly in Côte de Nuits. Classic Pinot Noir will have red fruit flavors that will evolve into earth, game, and mushroom. They have high acidity and low to medium tannins. Winemakers use various winemaking techniques. Barrel aging is common for 16-18 months with higher quality wines using a portion of new oak barrels. The use of whole cluster fermentation is becoming more popular. The best Pinot Noir can age for decades.
