Bordeaux vs Burgundy Wine | What are the differences?

Bordeaux and Burgundy are two of the most famous and prestigious wine regions in the world. Both regions are synonymous with high-quality wines, but they differ significantly in terms of grape varieties, taste, and winemaking practices. In this article, we will explore the key differences between Bordeaux and Burgundy wines to help you better appreciate their unique characteristics.

Grape Varieties: Bordeaux vs Burgundy

Bordeaux: Blends of Cabernet and Merlot

Bordeaux is renowned for its red blends, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot as the dominant grape varieties. Wines from the Left Bank (e.g., Médoc, Pauillac) tend to be more Cabernet Sauvignon-focused, offering bold flavors and structure. Right Bank wines (e.g., Pomerol, Saint-Émilion) are typically Merlot-dominant, known for their softer, more approachable character.

• Red Bordeaux Taste Profile: Expect flavors of dark fruits (blackberry, blackcurrant), tobacco, leather, and spice, with high tannins and aging potential.

• White Bordeaux Varieties: In Bordeaux, white wines are made primarily from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, resulting in crisp, aromatic, and sometimes oak-aged whites.

Burgundy: Single Varietal Focus

In Burgundy, wines are typically made from just one grape variety. Pinot Noir dominates the reds, while Chardonnay is the sole grape for the whites. The region’s emphasis on single-varietal wines highlights the influence of terroir.

• Red Burgundy Taste Profile: Expect lighter body, with flavors of red fruits like cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, complemented by earthy, floral, and mushroom-like nuances.

• White Burgundy Varieties: Burgundy Chardonnay is known for its crisp acidity, minerality, and sometimes creamy, buttery notes due to oak aging.

Winemaking Styles: Bordeaux vs Burgundy

Bordeaux: Blended Complexity

In Bordeaux, winemakers typically blend multiple grape varieties to create complex, layered wines. The blending process allows for balance and consistency across vintages, as each grape brings different qualities to the final wine. For example, Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure and tannins, while Merlot offers softness and fruitiness.

Burgundy: Terroir-Driven Expression

Burgundy winemaking is focused on expressing the terroir of each vineyard. Winemakers aim to highlight the specific characteristics of the vineyard site, with minimal intervention. Single-varietal wines from specific plots emphasize the nuances of the region’s diverse soils and microclimates, making each wine unique to its place of origin.

Climate and Terroir: The Influence on Wine

Bordeaux: Warm Maritime Climate

Bordeaux enjoys a maritime climate, influenced by the nearby Atlantic Ocean. This warm climate allows Bordeaux wines to develop rich, bold flavors with ripe fruit and tannic structure. The region's varied soils, including gravel, clay, and limestone, play a significant role in shaping the style of the wines.

Burgundy: Cool Continental Climate

Burgundy has a cool continental climate, which results in wines with higher acidity and more subtle fruit flavors. The cooler temperatures, along with the limestone-rich soils, lend Burgundy wines their characteristic elegance, minerality, and freshness.

Premier Cru, Grand Cru, and Classifications

Bordeaux Classification System

Bordeaux has a strict classification system, notably the 1855 Classification for the Left Bank, which ranks the region’s best wines from First Growths (Premiers Crus) like Château Lafite Rothschild to Fifth Growths. The Right Bank uses a more modern classification, with the most prestigious estates, like Château Pétrus and Château Ausone, leading the way.

Burgundy’s Focus on Terroir and Cru

Burgundy’s classification system is based on terroir rather than the estate itself. Grand Cru wines come from the very best vineyards, offering exceptional quality and aging potential. Premier Cru vineyards are just below Grand Cru in quality but still produce outstanding wines. Below these are Village Wines, made from grapes grown around specific villages in the region.

Tasting Differences: Bordeaux vs Burgundy

Bordeaux Tasting Experience

Bordeaux wines are generally fuller-bodied and more tannic, with flavors of dark fruits, cedar, and tobacco. They age exceptionally well, developing more complex flavors over time, including leather, cigar box, and dried fruit notes. Aged Bordeaux wines are often more structured and refined.

Burgundy Tasting Experience

Burgundy wines, especially the reds, are lighter-bodied with more subtle, delicate flavors of red fruit, earth, and floral notes. As they age, they develop more complexity with earthy, mushroom-like characteristics and an underlying minerality. White Burgundies exhibit a range of flavors from fresh citrus to rich, buttery, and nutty notes depending on the style.

Bordeaux vs Burgundy

The differences between Bordeaux and Burgundy wines extend beyond grape varieties to winemaking styles, climate, and classification systems. Bordeaux's rich, bold blends contrast with Burgundy’s elegant, terroir-driven single-varietal wines. Whether you prefer the structure and power of Bordeaux or the finesse and subtlety of Burgundy, both regions offer extraordinary wines that cater to a variety of tastes and occasions.