The Excellence of Burgundy Grape Varieties
White wine production in Burgundy is based on a rigorous selection of grape varieties.
Chardonnay reigns supreme, covering 51% of the vineyard area. This grape produces fine, dry, and fruity white wines that are highly sought after.
Aligoté, planted on 6.5% of the vineyards, brings a refreshing citrus and fruit-forward character. You’ll find a few bottles made from this grape variety on this page.
A key feature of Burgundy is its tradition of single-varietal wines. This approach allows each terroir to express its full personality through a single grape, unlike other regions that favor blends. Let’s take a closer look at Burgundy’s main white grape varieties.
Chardonnay, King of Burgundy Whites
Originally from Burgundy, Chardonnay has earned its reputation as an exceptional grape thanks to its unique ability to reveal the nuances of each terroir.
Terroirs like Meursault and Chablis pair beautifully with Chardonnay.
Renowned worldwide, Burgundy Chardonnay seduces with its balanced structure and long finish. Its versatility makes it an ideal companion for both refined seafood and poultry in cream sauces.
Aligoté, a Traditional Grape in Revival
Aligoté is experiencing a renaissance in the Burgundy wine scene.
Winemakers are rediscovering its remarkable potential, particularly in the Bouzeron region, where limestone soils impart a notable complexity.
Wines made from Aligoté offer tangy, fruity, and dry notes.
We recommend enjoying Aligoté young, though certain high-quality examples can age up to three years.
Prestigious Appellations
Burgundy boasts many renowned appellations for white wines. You’ll find a variety available for purchase on this page. Here are some of the key appellations producing exceptional wines.
Chablis: Mineral Expression of the Terroir
The Kimmeridgian soil, widespread in Chablis, gives the wines their renowned minerality. As they age, these wines develop fruitier and sweeter aromas.
Chablis winemakers continue a centuries-old tradition focused on fruit purity. Their winemaking often involves short aging periods in stainless steel tanks or large oak vats.
The northern climate of the region shapes wines with vibrant acidity and a mineral edge, highly appreciated by lovers of white wines.
Meursault: Long on the Palate
Meursault’s white wines are recognized by their golden-green hue with silver highlights.
The Meursault AOC produces white wines with a silky texture and exceptional balance-qualities that have earned it global acclaim. A perfect harmony unfolds between the rich, buttery body and crisp acidity, enhanced by hazelnut aromas that reveal the unique minerality of the terroir.
Perfect pairings include grilled red meats, foie gras, seafood, or fish, for a truly successful food and wine match.
Pernand-Vergelesses
This Côte de Beaune appellation produces white wines with great aromatic finesse. Chardonnay here reveals floral notes of hawthorn and acacia, which evolve over time into spicy, amber, and honeyed aromas.
These elegant wines pair beautifully with fish in white sauce or seafood. They also go well with cheeses such as Gruyère or Gouda.The ideal serving temperature is between 15 and 16°C for optimal tasting.
This appellation includes 11 Premier Cru classified vineyard plots.
Which Burgundy White Wine Matches Your Taste?
If you love freshness and liveliness, Chablis stands out with its crystalline purity and citrus flavors. These wines awaken the palate with vibrant character.
Fans of roundness and richness will find delight in Meursault, whose silky texture and fruity notes are a true pleasure.
Those in search of perfect balance will appreciate Puligny-Montrachet. Its complex aromatic palette blends delicacy and intensity, enhancing every tasting experience.
For a more budget-friendly option, Bourgogne Aligoté wines offer refreshing simplicity and bright citrus notes.
We offer wines from several châteaux across these appellations, feel free to explore our curated selection of white Burgundies above.
Exceptional Dry Grands Crus
At the top of the Burgundy white wine hierarchy, Grand Crus account for just 1% of total production.
Wines such as Chablis, Meursault, and Pernand-Vergelesses are among the region’s finest.
In Chablis, seven prestigious climats,including Les Clos and Vaudésir,produce wines of exceptional quality. Their captivating minerality and unparalleled depth make them globally sought-after references for wine connoisseurs.
Characterful Sweet White Wines
Burgundy’s sweet white wines reveal their aromatic richness through delicate fruit notes, striking a perfect balance between sweetness and aroma.
The finest sweet whites from this historic French wine region are known for enhancing food pairings. Served between 8 and 10°C, they beautifully accompany foie gras, cheeses, or fruit-based desserts.
