Unlocking the Secrets of Burgundy Wine Labels: A Simple Guide for Wine Lovers

What Makes Burgundy So Unique?

Burgundy (or "Bourgogne" in French) is a legendary wine region in eastern France known for its Pinot Noir (red wines) and Chardonnay (white wines). Unlike many New World wines that name the grape on the label, Burgundy wines focus on place. The vineyard site is everything — and the more specific, the more prestigious (and expensive) the wine tends to be.

The 4 Quality Levels of Burgundy

Understanding the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system is key to decoding the label.

Burgundy wines fall into four main categories:

• Regional Wines (Bourgogne AOC):

  • The most basic level.

  • Grapes can come from anywhere in Burgundy.

  • Often labeled simply as "Bourgogne Pinot Noir" or "Bourgogne Chardonnay."

• Village Wines:

  • Grapes must come from a specific village, like Meursault, Chablis, or Gevrey-Chambertin.

  • Higher quality and more distinctive character.

• Premier Cru (1er Cru):

  • From specific vineyards within a village known for excellent terroir.

  • Label usually says the village plus the vineyard (e.g., "Volnay 1er Cru Les Caillerets").

• Grand Cru:

  • The highest level.

  • Grapes come from one of 33 top-rated vineyard sites.

  • Label will only show the vineyard name (e.g., "Corton-Charlemagne").

Other Clues to Look For

• Vintage Year: Self-explanatory, but crucial for Burgundy since it's a region with lots of weather variation.

• Producer Name: Some producers (like Louis Jadot, Joseph Drouhin or Domaine Leflaive) are famous for quality.

• Alcohol Percentage: Usually between 12.5% and 14%.

What About Grape Varieties?

Most Burgundy wines don’t say the grape on the label, but you can assume:

• Red Burgundy = Pinot Noir

• White Burgundy = Chardonnay (except for rare exceptions like Aligoté)

Tips for Buying Burgundy Wine

• For good value, try a Village wine from a less famous village.

• Look for Regional wines from reputable producers.

• Explore Chablis for crisp, mineral-driven Chardonnay.