Burgundy - Appellations, Vineyards and Wine Style

The village of Marsannay at the northernend of the Côte de Nuits is cooler than the rest of the Côte d’Or as the slope is gentler and there is less protection from cold winds coming from the south-west. This is reflected in the fact that it is the only village on the Côte d’Or that includes the option for a rosé within the appellation and that produces white, rosé and red wines. 

Similarly, the neighbouring village of Fixin typically produces red wines with very fresh red fruit and a light body. 

Protection from the west is at its highest from Gevrey-Chambertin to Nuits-Saint-Georgesand slightly higher alcohols and greater ripeness are seen here. Most of the red grands crus are positioned here.

The differences in appellations are subtle but consistent. For example in red wines, typically Volnay and Chambolle-Musigny are fruitier and more fragrant whereas Pommard and Gevrey-Chambertin are fuller bodied. 

Similarly, in white wines, Puligny-Montrachet is typically more floral and concentrated while Meursault is full bodied and powerful. However, the reasons for these subtle differences are not clear. In all the appellations, winemaking decisions can affect style markedly. For example, whether new oak is used or not or, in white winemaking, to what extent the wine is subject to bâtonnage, and in red wine making, the use of whole bunches.