A Beginner’s Guide to Burgundy, Barolo & Bordeaux

Exploring Burgundy, Barolo, and Bordeaux in a single blog is ambitious at best, given the complexity, depth, and history of these iconic regions. Throughout this guide we will attempt to break down these three legendary wine regions, focusing on key facts and characteristics to create a helpful introduction to these unique locations.

Burgundy

Arguably the most intricate and revered wine region, Burgundy is home to some of the world’s most sought-after and expensive wines. The concept of ‘terroir’ — the relationship between vine, grape, climate, geography, soil, and of course, human input — is of greatest importance here. Situated in central-east France, Burgundy boasts almost 30,000 hectares of vineyards, with evidence of winemaking in the region from the first century A.D. The region became famously known in the Middle Ages when monks began producing wine for French nobility, today, Burgundy is a patchwork of small, sub-regions with numerous owners and producers.

Key varieties grown here are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with small amounts of Gamay and Aligoté. The four major growing areas include:

• Chablis: Renowned for mineral-driven, sea-spray Chardonnay.

• Côtes de Nuits: Famous for ethereal Pinot Noir and great whites.

• Côtes de Beaune: Known for powerful Chardonnay and exceptional reds.

• Côte Chalonnaise: Home to great value Pinot Noir and sparkling wines.

Burgundy’s wine classification system is unique, established in 1855 it divides wines into four tiers based on vineyard quality: Grand Cru (1% of vineyards), Premier Cru (about 10%), Villages (37%), and regional Bourgogne wines. Grand Cru wines, produced in very small quantities, and boast a high-end price tag.

Barolo

Nestled in the stunning hills of Piedmont, Barolo is a region where the landscape and history are as rich as the wines it produces. Known as the “Wine of Kings and the King of Wines,” Barolo is made from Nebbiolo, a grape that thrives in this ancient winemaking region. Barolo’s terrain is a collection of vineyards across 11 communes, much like Burgundy, but the wines here are bolder, fuller, and more tannic. While Barolo can be harsh in its youth, modern versions are more approachable, and age magnificently with time.

The region is heavily regulated, with about 1,750 hectares of vineyards producing wines with distinct personality and style. Barolo wines sit at a higher price point, with top producers offering some of the finest wines in the world. Despite their cost, they remain a symbol of Italian winemaking excellence.

Bordeaux

Located in southwest France, Bourdeaux is one of the largest fine wine producing regions in the world, with over 110,000 hectares under vine. Bordeaux’s history with winemaking began with the Romans in the 1st century, the region flourishing after the marriage of French and English royalty, opening up the export market. Unlike the patchwork regions of Burgundy and Barolo, Bourdeaux is known for large estates and grand châteaux.

Bordeaux’s wine classification system, formalized in 1855, ranks the region’s best vineyards into growth categories based on price, with First Growth wines being among the most expensive in the world. Bordeaux’s vineyards are divided into the Left and Right Banks, each with its own distinct character. The Left Bank is known for Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blends, while the Right Bank is more Merlot-centric. The wines here are powerful, dense, and long-lived, with top-tier Bordeaux often requiring decades of aging to reach their peak.

While Bordeaux is famously known for their red wines, the region also produces some of the world’s most renowned dessert wines, but if you start going down that rabbit hole be warned! There is a lot to learn — and a lot to try!

Ready to explore the Big Three?

If you’re looking to explore the Big Three of the wine world, this exclusive 3-pack is the perfect way to dive in. Each wine offers a snapshot of the distinctive characteristics that make these legendary regions so revered.

The Chateau de Chamirey ‘En Sazeney’ Mercurey 1er Cru 2019 brings the elegance and finesse of Burgundy with its terroir-driven complexity, while the Giovanni Rosso Serralunga D’Alba Barolo 2019 showcases the bold, powerful profile of Nebbiolo, known for its age-worthiness and depth. Finally, the Chateau Bel Air ‘Lalande de Pomerol 2015 offers a taste of Bordeaux’s rich, structured reds—perfect for those who enjoy a wine with backbone and complexity.

All these exceptional wines are now available in a 3-pack for just $265, plus we’re giving you a Plumm Latrobe Decanter (valued at $60) for free. It’s a perfect way to explore the best of these iconic wine regions!