Burgundy and Chardonnay are two of the most famous white wines in the world. They share some similarities but also have distinct differences. In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between white Burgundy (Bourgogne Blanc) and Chardonnay and look at whether they can be considered the same thing.
White Burgundy and Chardonnay are intimately connected. All white Burgundy is made from the Chardonnay grape. However, not all Chardonnay is white Burgundy. The key factors that distinguish the two are geography, winemaking techniques, and terroir.
Burgundy is a wine region in eastern France, known for producing exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. The Chardonnay grape likely originated in this part of France. White Burgundy can only be made in the Burgundy region. Wines labeled “Bourgogne Blanc” must be produced in Burgundy from Chardonnay grapes.
Chardonnay, on the other hand, is now grown all over the world. It is the most widely planted white grape variety globally. While associated with Burgundy, Chardonnay can be made anywhere by winemakers aiming to produce a specific style.
While white Burgundy must be 100% Chardonnay, a wine labeled simply “Chardonnay” may not have any connection to Burgundy at all. The labeling terms are not interchangeable. Let’s look more closely at how these two storied wines compare.
The geography of Burgundy
Burgundy is located in eastern France, southeast of Paris. It has a continental climate with cold winters, warm summers, and rainfall at all times of year. The varied terrain includes limestone cliffs, dense forests, rolling hills, and valleys.
Burgundy consists of four main winemaking regions:
- Chablis
- Côte de Nuits
- Côte de Beaune
- Côte Chalonnaise
The best white Burgundy comes from the Côte de Beaune. This is a 50km strip of land containing legendary Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards. Further north, Chablis produces a distinct mineral-driven style of Chardonnay.
Terroir
Terroir refers to the environmental conditions affecting a vineyard, including soil, topography, and climate. Burgundy’s terroir is highly varied even across small distances. This accounts for the diversity of flavors among white Burgundies from different villages and vineyards.
Key factors influencing terroir in Burgundy include:
- Soil: Limestone, marl, clay, flint
- Elevation: 250-400m above sea level generally
- Climate: Continental with cool nights and warm days
- Vineyard orientation: Variable aspects from north to south-facing
In contrast, Chardonnay can be grown in vastly different terroirs around the world. Some key regions include California, Australia, Chile, Italy, and South Africa. The grape takes on vastly different characteristics depending on where it’s grown.
Grape clones
Hundreds of different Chardonnay clones exist, with varying attributes. In Burgundy, there are three main clones used:
- Clone 548: Small bunches and berries, early ripening, floral aromas
- Clone 121: Bigger yield, later ripening, lemon/lime notes
- Clone 95: Medium bunches and berries, balanced acidity
These clones are best suited to Burgundy’s climate and soils. Other Chardonnay clones thrive better in warmer or more fertile areas. The clones used affect the wine’s flavor profile.
Winemaking techniques
Burgundy aims to produce wines that showcase terroir. Winemaking focuses on delicate extraction and oak aging. Common techniques include:
- Gentle pressing of whole grape bunches
- No or partial malolactic fermentation
- Fermentation and aging in oak barrels (often used)
- Lees stirring for richness and texture
- Lower alcohol levels (typically 12.5-14%)
In contrast, Chardonnay can be vinified in diverse styles globally. Bolder techniques like malolactic fermentation, higher oak influence, lees stirring, and higher alcohol levels can make some Chardonnays richer and more full-bodied compared to the subtler white Burgundies.
Typical flavor profiles
Due to terroir and winemaking differences, white Burgundy and Chardonnay have some broad stylistic differences:
| White Burgundy | Chardonnay |
|---|---|
| Subtle fruit (apple, lemon, peach) | Bolder, ripe fruit (melon, pineapple, mango) |
| High acidity | Medium to lower acidity |
| Minerality, earthiness | Less minerality, more overt oak influence common |
| Delicate body and texture | Medium to full body |
| Complexity and finesse | Richer and more expressive |
Of course, styles vary depending on producer and origin. Not all Chardonnays are overtly oaky or full-bodied. But generally, white Burgundy shows more subtlety, while Chardonnay aims for more exuberance of fruit.
Prices and ageability
White Burgundy from top, small producers can be phenomenally expensive. A single bottle from a Grand Cru vineyard can cost hundreds of dollars. The limited production and prestige drive prices up.
In contrast, Chardonnay is made in huge volumes globally at widely ranging price points. Affordable mass-produced Chardonnay exists alongside premium offerings from famous regions.
Ageability also differs. The best white Burgundies have incredible longevity and can age for decades. Lesser wines are still enjoyable around 5-8 years after vintage. Most Chardonnays peak within only 3-5 years and are best drunk young.
Food pairings
Both wines pair beautifully with rich, creamy dishes. But their differing levels of acidity, body, and oakiness mean some key food pairing differences:
| White Burgundy | Chardonnay |
|---|---|
| Raw seafood like oysters and sushi | Buttery lobster or crab |
| Lighter chicken or fish | Richer meats like veal or salmon |
| Goat cheeses | Aged hard cheeses |
The higher acidity and delicacy of white Burgundy makes it very versatile with food. Bolder Chardonnay matches intensely flavored dishes well.
Notable white Burgundy and Chardonnay wines
Some benchmark wines to try from each category:
| White Burgundy Producer | Chardonnay Producer |
|---|---|
| Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet | Kistler Sonoma Coast |
| Étienne Sauzet Batard-Montrachet | Leeuwin Estate Art Series (Australia) |
| Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Montrachet | Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards (California) |
| Louis Jadot Corton-Charlemagne | Hamilton Russell (South Africa) |
| Louis Latour Corton-Charlemagne | Aubert Lauren Vineyard (California) |
Conclusion
So in summary, while all white Burgundy is Chardonnay, not all Chardonnay is white Burgundy. Location, terroir, winemaking, and tradition differentiate the two styles.
Burgundy remains the spiritual home of Chardonnay and produces some of the world’s greatest examples. But excellent Chardonnay now comes from wine regions worldwide. While they share the same grape, white Burgundy and Chardonnay have evolved into distinct wine categories.
Both offer pleasure. White Burgundy is for when you want finesse and subtlety. Chardonnay provides exuberant fruit flavors. Regardless of your preference, understanding the relationship between these celebrated wines provides insight into the wine world’s evolution.
