Burgundy is often associated with two big names in the world of wine: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. However, this vineyard is teeming with many other grape varieties, often overshadowed, which nevertheless contribute to the richness and diversity of Burgundy wines. Dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover a true little-known treasure trove that bears witness to a deep history and a complex winemaking identity. These rare and forgotten varieties bring freshness, originality, and sometimes even a touch of exoticism to a region that is constantly reinventing itself without denying its roots. Whether you’re a curious novice or an enlightened connoisseur, there’s plenty to feast your eyes on without any hassle.
We’ll unearth these little-known grape varieties, explain where to find them, their characteristics, and, above all, why they deserve your attention. It’s an invitation to rediscover Burgundy in a different light, far from the beaten track of well-known classics. A short stroll through the vineyards, but also a nod to these ancient and sometimes almost forgotten grape varieties, which are resurfacing with panache in a few well-chosen spots. Ready to play the joker card and broaden your winemaking horizons? It works rather well with these unusual grape varieties. Let’s go for a tour of Burgundy’s little-known grape varieties!
What are the forgotten grape varieties that have left their mark on Burgundy?
When we think of Burgundy, we often imagine an essential duo: Chardonnay for the whites and Pinot Noir for the reds. However, Burgundy has long cultivated several other grape varieties, some now almost extinct, others reserved for a few very specific terroirs where they discreetly shine. This wine-growing landscape, more complex than the simple white/red contrast, therefore hides little-known treasures for wine lovers to discover.
Among these former stars are:
- Pinot Blanc, often confused with Chardonnay, but lighter and more floral, it long dominated the Côte d’Or before almost disappearing.
- Pinot Gris (or Pinot Beurot in Burgundy), which takes its name from the soft gray color of its berries. This grape variety is rare in the region, but it brings richness and body when paired with Chardonnay.
- César, a very old red grape variety, found mainly in Irancy, in northern Burgundy. It is famous for its powerful tannins and its ability to strengthen red wines, giving structure and length on the palate.
- Gamay, although more famous in Beaujolais, retains a special place in the vineyards of the Mâconnais, where it produces fruity and fresh reds, often overshadowed by the reign of Pinot Noir. Sacy, a little-known white grape variety still found in very limited plots. It produces light and pleasant wines, mainly used in Crémant de Bourgogne and Coteaux Bourguignons.
- These grape varieties, although a minority, constitute a veritable winegrowing subsoil that once nourished local diversity and still resists the trends imposed by the wine giants. Learning more about these varieties offers a richer and more complete vision of Burgundy, far beyond what the average person imagines. Discover the unknown grape varieties, these forgotten or little-cultivated grape varieties that offer unique flavors and surprising characteristics. Dive into the fascinating world of viticulture by exploring these hidden wine treasures.Why did these grape varieties almost disappear? The partial disappearance of certain grape varieties is linked to several factors:
Economic choices:
and
Pinot Noir
- dominate due to their reputation and market share, pushing winegrowers to focus their efforts on them. The phylloxera crisis in the 19th century decimated the vineyards and forced replanting, favoring certain grape varieties deemed more profitable. The demands of appellations and specifications, often geared toward the standardization of grape varieties for reasons of quality and recognition. Yet, a few courageous winegrowers continue to cultivate these rebellious grape varieties, giving Burgundy a touch of authenticity that’s sure to surprise many. A good reason to take an interest in the story behind each bottle. 🍇 Grape Variety 📍 Main Growing Area
- 🍷 Main Characteristic
- 📉 Estimated Vineyard Share
Pinot Blanc
| Côte d’Or | Floral, light, often blended | Less than 1% | Pinot Gris (Beurot) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Burgundy (Jovinien) | Rich, full-bodied, dull color | Very Rare | César |
| Irancy (Yonne) | Tannic, structured, powerful | Less than 2% | Gamay |
| Mâconnais | Fruity, fresh | 2.5% | Sacy |
| A few plots in Burgundy | Light, fresh | Marginal Index | To further your knowledge of grape varieties, we also recommend taking a look at the profiles of neighboring vineyards, for example this article on grape varieties in Alsace |
| or those in the Southwest, to compare the differences. The world of wine is a vast playground! How do Sauvignon Blanc and Aligoté hold their place in Burgundy? | When it comes to white grape varieties in Burgundy, Chardonnay reigns supreme, but Aligoté and Sauvignon Blanc also deserve attention. These two grape varieties fall somewhat outside the realm of grands crus but play a key role in Burgundy’s diversity. | Aligoté |
Covering approximately 6% of Burgundy’s vineyards, this grape produces refreshing, lemony wines with notes of green apple and white flowers. It is also the only grape variety authorized in the Bouzeron appellation. Aligoté gained widespread popularity thanks to the famous Canon Kir, deputy mayor of Dijon in the 1950s. He had the idea of blending Aligoté white wine with crème de cassis, giving rise to the aperitif now known worldwide as Kir, a timeless, no-fuss classic. Sauvignon Blanc, on the other hand, is much rarer in Burgundy, but it has a special place in Saint-Bris, in the Auxerrois region. There, it reigns supreme and produces a 100% Sauvignon Blanc appellation. These wines are powerful, aromatic, and taut, with plenty of citrus and fresh herbs, just like the Loire Valley wines. This brings a nice variety to a region often stereotyped as a white wine with only Chardonnay and red wine with only Pinot Noir. Aperitif fans will delight in theKir Bourguignon
made with Aligoté 😋.
Lovers of dry, tangy, and aromatic whites will find what they’re looking for at Saint-Bris 🥂. For a change, consider blends where Aligoté brings freshness and lightness. In this dynamic, Sauvignon Blanc also plays a central role in many other French regions, particularly in Provence, offering an interesting contrast. Further proof that Burgundy, with its unique terroir, has successfully selected its white grape varieties according to a well-thought-out strategy. 🍇 Grape Variety 📍 Main Area 🍷 Aroma Profile
🍾 Key Use Aligoté Burgundy, Bouzeron
Lemon, Apple, White Flowers Dry White Wine, Kir Sauvignon Blanc
- Saint-Bris (Auxerrois) Citrus, Herbs, Freshness Saint-Bris Appellation
- Discover the little-known grape varieties that enrich the world of wine. Learn to recognize them, appreciate them, and explore their unique potential in creating original and surprising wines.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pole9aR7h3k
To what extent do Gamay and Tressot contribute to the palette of Burgundy reds? While Pinot Noir reigns supreme in Burgundy’s red wines, two other red grape varieties, sometimes overshadowed, continue to offer their own distinctive signatures. Gamay and Tressot are more discreet but far from insignificant players in the mosaic of Burgundy reds.
| Gamay, especially renowned in the Mâconnais region, produces light, fruity red wines that are both fresh and easy to drink. It covers approximately 2.5% of the planted area. This grape variety was often banned from Burgundy vineyards during the decisions of Philip the Bold in the 14th century, as it was deemed “disloyal” compared to the noble Pinot Noir. However, it has survived in some pockets and remains popular, particularly for its red wines, which can be drunk “without fuss,” perfect for aperitifs or simple meals. | Tressot | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| , on the other hand, is a little more mysterious. This ancient grape variety was recently rediscovered, a distant cousin of Pinot Noir according to some experts. Its presence is rare, but it is used as a complement in certain Burgundy red blends, bringing a tannic and spicy touch. However, its history remains to be written, and trying its winemaking is a wonderful adventure for winemakers who love experimentation. | Gamay: | Light and fruity red wines, perfect for everyday use 🍷. | Tressot: |
| A rare grape variety that brings spice and depth 🌶. Minor presence but essential contribution to Burgundy’s diversity. | 🍇 Grape variety | 📍 Main area | 🍷 Wine style |
Mâconnais
Fruity, light, fresh Traditional and popular Tressot Rare in Burgundy Tannic, spicy, profound
A rediscovered grape variety Discover little-known grape varieties that enrich the world of wine. Learn about these rare grape varieties, their unique characteristics, and the fascinating stories surrounding them. An essential exploration for curious wine lovers!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlXlr3NtA0s
What are the special features of the rare white grape varieties: Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris? The term “Pinot” primarily evokes Pinot Noir for many wine lovers, but the family’s white cousins, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris (also called Pinot Beurot in Burgundy), deserve equal respect. These two grape varieties have been largely overlooked in current production but remain gems, discreetly cultivated by certain estates committed to tradition. Pinot Blanc is distinguished by its freshness and delicate, often floral aromas. It has long coexisted with Chardonnay, often in blends. In some appellations, it still receives special attention, even if the areas are minimal. Its lightness makes it a perfect companion for summer whites, offering an interesting alternative to classic Burgundy wines.Pinot Gris is a gray mutation of Pinot Noir. Its Burgundian nickname, “Pinot Beurot,” recalls its monastic origins. Found mainly in the northernmost part of the region, it is used in blends that seek to add body and complexity, bringing a little more density and spice to Burgundy white wines. This variety is also much more famous in Alsace, where it shines as a vin gris, a true specialty of the neighboring region.
- Pinot Blanc: finesse, freshness, and florality 🌼. Pinot Gris: Richness, soft color, spicy complexity 🌿.
- Use in blends to enhance balance and character. 🍇Grape Variety
- 📍Main Zone
| 🍷 Typical Notes | 🎯 Usage | Pinot Blanc | Côte d’Or |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floral, light, fresh | Burgundy white blends | Pinot Gris | Jovinien, Northern Burgundy |
| Spicy, rich, dull color | Blend and some vintages in Vin Gris | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btonhGxoB7s | What surprising local grape varieties complement the richness of Burgundy? |
de Bourgogne is the origin of the grape variety that today makes Muscadet wines famous in Loire Atlantique. However, this pointed grape was long cultivated in Burgundy, particularly in the Chablis region, before migrating to the Atlantic coast. It remains very marginal in Burgundy, but its presence is a reminder that the region has long been a crossroads for ampelographic exchanges.
César , as mentioned above, is not just a memory but a grape variety still cultivated in Irancy, north of Chablis. It brings strength and structure, influencing the longevity and finesse of local reds. A perfect example of a grape variety being rediscovered to enrich the vineyard’s classics. Sacy , although much rarer, is still sometimes used in blends or for simple white wines. Its light and fresh profile gives it a touch of charm for relaxed vintages or for adding a little more variety to the flavor. Melon de Bourgogne:
An ancestor of Muscadet, almost extinct in Burgundy, but on the Atlantic coast it’s a star 🍈. César: Strength and structure to enhance Irancy reds 💪.
Sacy: Finess and lightness for simplified whites 🍃.To further explore the richness of French terroirs, simply consult the file on the grape varieties of Languedoc or those of the Rhône, which are also full of surprises. Each region has its own unique charm, and Burgundy, with its somewhat forgotten grape varieties, remains a source of perpetual wonder.
- 🍇 Grape Variety 📍 Location
- 🍷 Special Feature 👀 Current Status
- Melon de Bourgogne
| Chablis and rare vineyards | Ancestor of Muscadet | Rare in Burgundy, popular in the Loire | César |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irancy | Powerful, tannic | Maintained in cultivation | Sacy |
| A few plots in Burgundy | Light, fresh | Occasionally used | FAQ: Everything you need to know about the little-known grape varieties of Burgundy |
Is Pinot Blanc still produced in Burgundy?
Yes, even though it’s rare, it’s used in blends to bring lightness and freshness to certain white wines. Why does Gamay remain a minority in Burgundy? Historically pushed aside by Philip the Bold, Gamay suffers from the imposing shadow of Pinot Noir and covers only 2.5% of the vineyard. Is Sauvignon Blanc grown anywhere other than Saint-Bris? In Burgundy, Saint-Bris is almost the only appellation to showcase this grape variety, which is also very popular in other French regions such as the Loire and Provence. What rare grape varieties could you discover elsewhere in France? For a change of scenery, we also recommend exploring the grape varieties of Languedoc, the Southwest, or Savoie wines.
