The Burgundy region, its wines and their correct wine serving temperatures

Burgundy is a historical and geographical region in central-eastern France, bounded by the departments of Yonne to the west, Côte-d'Or to the south, Haute-Marne to the north-east, and Saône-et-Loire to the east. The name "Burgundy" comes from the Burgundians, who were a Germanic people that inhabited what is now eastern France, in the 5th century.

The Burgundy wine region is world-renowned for its high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. The soil in Burgundy is very chalky, which imparts a distinctive minerality to the wines, the climate is also quite cool, which helps to preserve the delicate aromas and flavors of the grapes.

Burgundy has a long history of winemaking, dating back to the Romans. The region was an important center of viticulture during the Middle Ages, and many of the techniques and traditions that are used today were developed during that time. The Burgundian wine industry was dealt a severe blow in the late 19th century by the phylloxera epidemic, which devastated vineyards all over Europe. However, the region has bounced back and is now once again producing some of the finest wines in the world.

If you're looking to explore Burgundy wines, there are a few things you should know. First, Burgundy is divided into several different sub-regions, each with its own unique character. The most famous of these is the Cote d'Or, which is home to some of the most sought-after wines in the world. Other important Burgundy sub-regions include the Cote de Nuits, Chablis, and Maconnais. To enjoy those wines, the closer you get to the ideal serving temperature, the more likely it is that the taste of the wine will match your expectations.  

When it comes to wine terminology, Burgundy can be a bit confusing. The word "clos" (pronounced klo) refers to a walled vineyard, which is usually just a single vineyard parcel. "Premier Cru" (pronounced pree-mee-aye cru) refers to the very best vineyards in Burgundy, while "Grand Cru" (pronounced grahnd cru) is reserved for the very best of the best. Finally, "Villages" wines are made from grapes grown in specified villages throughout Burgundy.

Burgundy wines are classified according to their place of origin. The highest level, "AOC Bourgogne", includes wines from all over Burgundy. The next level down, "AOC Bourgogne Grand Cru", is reserved for wines from the very best vineyards in the region. Finally, "AOC Bourgogne Villages" wines come from specific villages throughout Burgundy.