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1 lesson · 14 questions · ~9 min · live

Lesson

Bordeaux & Burgundy

Objective: Distinguish France's two most famous fine-wine regions by their grapes and structure. Bordeaux, in the southwest, makes blended reds. The Left Bank (Medoc, Pauillac, Margaux) is Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant, giving firm, structured, age-worthy wines, while the Right Bank (Saint-Emilion, Pomerol) is Merlot-dominant and plusher. Most red Bordeaux blends Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Burgundy, in east-central France, instead prizes single grapes: red Burgundy is Pinot Noir and white Burgundy is Chardonnay. Within Burgundy, Chablis makes crisp, unoaked Chardonnay; the Cote d'Or (Cote de Nuits and Cote de Beaune) is the heartland for both grapes; and Beaujolais to the south makes light, juicy reds from Gamay. Remember: Bordeaux equals blends, Burgundy equals Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and Beaujolais equals Gamay.