Burgundy is one of the world’s most famous wine regions. Pinot Noir wines are some of the most highly-regarded and sought-after in the world. The region’s unique terroir, coupled with centuries of winemaking tradition, result in Pinot Noirs that are complex, elegant, and capable of aging for decades.

History of Burgundy Pinot Noir Wines

The history of Burgundy winemaking dates back to the Roman era, but it was the Cistercian monks who played a crucial role in developing the region’s vineyards and winemaking techniques. They recognized the unique character of Burgundy’s terroir and began to classify the region’s vineyards based on their quality and potential. This tradition of terroir-driven winemaking continues today and is reflected in the region’s classification system.

Flavor Profile of Burgundy Pinot Noir Wines

Burgundy Pinot Noir wines are known for their complexity and elegance, with a wide range of flavor profiles depending on the specific vineyard and winemaker. Some common flavor notes include red fruit (such as cherry and raspberry), earthy and mineral undertones, and subtle hints of spice and oak. The wines are typically light to medium-bodied with soft tannins, high acidity, and a long finish.

What makes Pinot Noirs from Burgundy Unique?

Burgundy Pinot Noirs are widely considered some of the best Pinot Noirs in the world, due in part to the unique terroir and winemaking traditions of the region. Here are a few ways that Burgundy Pinot Noirs compare to those from other parts of the world:

Terroir

Burgundy’s unique terroir, which includes a mix of limestone, clay, and other soils, as well as cool weather and varied elevations, contributes to the distinctiveness of its Pinot Noir wines. This terroir, combined with strict appellation regulations, ensures that Burgundy Pinot Noirs are consistent in quality and character from year to year.

Style

Burgundy Pinot Noirs tend to be more restrained and elegant than those from other regions, with less emphasis on fruitiness and more on earthiness, minerality, and subtle nuances. This style can be a refreshing change from the bolder, fruit-forward Pinot Noirs found in other parts of the world.

Aging potential

Burgundy Pinot Noirs are known for their exceptional aging potential, with many wines capable of aging for decades and improving over time. This is due to the combination of high acidity, tannins, and complex flavors, which all contribute to the wine’s ability to develop and evolve in the bottle.

Price

Burgundy Pinot Noirs are often quite expensive, due in part to the region’s limited production and high demand. While there are many great Pinot Noirs produced in other regions, few can match the prestige and rarity of Burgundy wines.

Wine Classifications

The classification system for Burgundy Pinot Noir wines is based on the vineyard’s location, reputation, and quality of the grapes produced.

For more on the Wine Classifications of Burgundy, please see France: Burgundy – Beautifully Complex Wines that are Incredibly Easy to Adore

It’s important to note that the wine classifications in Burgundy can be complex and confusing, as some vineyards may have multiple classifications depending on the specific plot of land or the vintage of the wine. Additionally, different producers may have different interpretations of the classifications, leading to some variation in quality and style. However, understanding the wine classifications of Burgundy can help consumers navigate the region’s wines and appreciate the unique character and quality of the wines produced there.

Famous Red Burgundies (Pinot Noir)

Burgundy is home to some of the most famous Pinot Noir wines in the world, with a range of styles and flavor profiles that reflect the region’s unique terroir and winemaking traditions. Here are some of the most famous Pinot Noirs of Burgundy and their regions/labels:

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti

This is arguably the most famous Pinot Noir in the world, produced by the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) in the tiny vineyard of the same name in the Côte de Nuits region. DRC has a reputation for producing wines of exceptional quality

DRC has a long history that dates back to the 1700s. DRC is currently owned by the same family that has held the property since the 19th century. DRC has intense complexity, aging potential, and rarity, with prices often exceeding thousands of dollars per bottle.

Gevrey-Chambertin

Gevrey-Chambertin is a village located in the Côte de Nuits subregion of Burgundy. The wines produced in Gevrey-Chambertin are powerful and complex with a deep ruby color and aromas of dark fruits, earth, and spice. Gevrey-Chambertin wines are generally full-bodied, with firm tannins and a long finish. 

Chambolle-Musigny

This village in the Côte de Nuits region produces some of the most elegant and refined Pinot Noirs in Burgundy. The wines from Chambolle-Musigny are typically lighter in body with delicate flavors of red fruit, flowers, and minerals.

Vosne-Romanée

This village in the Côte de Nuits region is known for producing some of the most perfumed and complex Pinot Noirs in Burgundy. The wines from Vosne-Romanée are typically medium to full-bodied with intense flavors of red and black fruit, spice, and earth.

Corton

Corton is home to winemakers who produce wines primarily made from Pinot Noir grapes for red wines and Chardonnay grapes for white wines. Corton is unique in that it is the only Grand Cru vineyard in Burgundy that produces both red and white wines.

The Corton hill is split into two parts. The northern part produces red wines, known as Corton. The southern part produces white wines, known as Corton-Charlemagne.

Corton wines tend to be complex with aging potential. Red wines display flavors of dark fruit, earth, and spice. Corton wines can be quite expensive, with prices often ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars per bottle, depending on the vintage and producer.

Volnay

Volnay is a small village in the Côte de Beaune region. The local winemakers in Volnay specialize in producing elegant and delicate red wines made from Pinot Noir grapes.

The wines from Volnay are typically lighter in body with delicate flavors of red fruit, flowers, and minerals.

Conclusion

Burgundy Pinot Noirs are unique and highly sought-after wines that offer a distinctive taste of the region’s terroir and winemaking traditions. While there are many great Pinot Noirs produced around the world, few can match the complexity, elegance, and aging potential of those from Burgundy.

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