What are the major red and white grapes of Burgundy?

What are the major red and white grapes of Burgundy?

• A. Gamay and Sauvignon Blanc
• B. Merlot and Riesling
• C. Pinot Gris and Aligote
• D. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

Answer: (D)

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the two grape varieties that define Burgundy, with red wines built almost entirely from Pinot Noir and white wines almost exclusively from Chardonnay. The cool climate and limestone-rich soils of Burgundy give Pinot Noir elegance, depth, and red-fruited character, especially in the Côte de Nuits, while Chardonnay thrives there, producing a spectrum of white wines from lean, mineral styles (like Chablis) to richer, oak-influenced examples (notably in the Côte de Beaune). Other grapes exist in Burgundy in smaller amounts, such as Aligoté or Pinot Gris, and Gamay is the hallmark of Beaujolais—regionally associated with Burgundy but not the primary varieties of Burgundy’s main wines. So the major red and white grapes that define Burgundy are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the two grape varieties that define Burgundy, with red wines built almost entirely from Pinot Noir and white wines almost exclusively from Chardonnay. The cool climate and limestone-rich soils of Burgundy give Pinot Noir elegance, depth, and red-fruited character, especially in the Côte de Nuits, while Chardonnay thrives there, producing a spectrum of white wines from lean, mineral styles (like Chablis) to richer, oak-influenced examples (notably in the Côte de Beaune). Other grapes exist in Burgundy in smaller amounts, such as Aligoté or Pinot Gris, and Gamay is the hallmark of Beaujolais—regionally associated with Burgundy but not the primary varieties of Burgundy’s main wines. So the major red and white grapes that define Burgundy are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.