Burgundy is a wine-growing jewel whose worldwide renown is largely based on two emblematic terroirs: the Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuits. Although geographically close, they offer distinct wine profiles, landscapes and traditions. This guide invites you to discover their differences to better orient your next oenological adventure.
📍 Location and Terroir
The two regions together form the Côte d’Or, located south of Dijon, but each has its own character.
– Côte de Nuits: stretches from Fixin to Corgoloin (in the north).
– Côte de Beaune: stretches from Ladoix-Serrigny to Santenay (south).
Both areas share limestone and clay-limestone soils perfect for grape-growing, but with different microclimates and exposures that influence the style of the wines.
🍷 Wines of the Côte de Nuits
Reputation : Pinot Noir capital of the world.
Characteristics :
Powerful, complex red wines for laying down.
Deep bouquets of black fruits, undergrowth, spices and leather.
Leading appellations :
Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Vosne-Romanée, Chambolle-Musigny.
Most of Burgundy’s red Grands Crus are found here.
Ideal for :
Lovers of structured, elegant red wines.
Those seeking tastings at prestigious estates.
🥂 Wines of the Côte de Beaune
Reputation : Queen of Burgundy’s great white wines.
Characteristics :
Chardonnay of great finesse: aromas of white fruit, flowers, fresh butter, hazelnut.
Red wines (Pinot Noir) lighter than those of Côte de Nuits, often fruity and supple.
Leading appellations :
Blancs: Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, Corton-Charlemagne.
Reds: Pommard, Volnay, Beaune.
Ideal for :
Lovers of refined white wines.
Those wishing to combine wine-tasting with architectural heritage (Beaune, Hospices, châteaux).
🛣️ Côte de Beaune or Côte de Nuits: Why choose? Do both.
Rather than deciding, why not explore both regions on a personalized wine tour ? Their proximity makes it easy to combine them for a day or a weekend, taking advantage of their complementary contrasts.
– Intense red morning in Côte de Nuits, followed by a gourmet lunch.
– Elegant white afternoon in Côte de Beaune, with a visit to a troglodyte cellar.
📌 Our Burgundy wine tours include combined packages to explore both terroirs at your own pace.
Want to taste the Two Faces of Burgundy?
Enjoy a tailor-made itinerary including transport, guide, tastings and cultural discoveries. Our wine tours in Burgundy allow you to explore these two great regions in the best possible conditions.
