What is the difference between Burgundy and Bordeaux?
Quick answer
Bordeaux is built on blends (Cabernet Sauvignon + Merlot) from large estates (châteaux), while Burgundy focuses on single varieties (Pinot Noir for reds, Chardonnay for whites) and classifies by individual vineyard plot (climat). The styles differ dramatically: power and structure in Bordeaux, finesse and terroir expression in Burgundy.
Detailed answer
Bordeaux and Burgundy are the twin pillars of French wine, yet their philosophies could hardly be more different.
In Bordeaux, the basic unit is the château — an estate that can span dozens of hectares and blend multiple grape varieties. Left Bank reds (Médoc, Graves) are dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, producing tannic, structured wines. Right Bank reds (Saint-Émilion, Pomerol) lean on Merlot for rounder, fruitier styles. The 1855 Classification ranks estates, with five First Growths at the top.
In Burgundy, the basic unit is the climat — a precisely delimited vineyard plot, many defined by Cistercian monks centuries ago. A single producer may own just a few rows in several different climats. Pinot Noir (reds) and Chardonnay (whites) are vinified solo, never blended. The classification ranks plots: Regional Bourgogne, Village, Premier Cru, Grand Cru.
Pricing spans a huge range in both regions. Entry-level Bordeaux starts around 5–8 euros, while top First Growths easily exceed 100 euros. Burgundy tends to be pricier at equivalent quality because of scarcity: a Grand Cru like Chambertin covers just 13 hectares, compared to 87 hectares for Château Lafite alone.
For Belgian shoppers, both regions are essential. Bordeaux delivers outstanding value in its satellite appellations (Côtes de Bourg, Fronsac, Lalande-de-Pomerol). Burgundy captivates with pure terroir expression in its Village and Premier Cru wines — both available on expertvin.be.