Beyond Bordeaux: How Different Regions Express Terroir

Burgundy: The Obsession with Place

Nowhere is terroir more minutely classified than Burgundy. The region's 1,247 different climats (named vineyard parcels) each claim unique character. The same Pinot Noir grape produces: - Ethereal, rose-petal scented wines in Chambolle-Musigny - Powerful, structured wines in Gevrey-Chambertin - Earthy, gamey expressions in Nuits-Saint-Georges

Burgundy's négociants (merchant-blenders) once dominated, but today small domaines bottle their own wines, each interpreting their parcels personally. Lalou Bize-Leroy farms biodynamically, while her neighbor might use conventional methods—same terroir, different philosophies, distinct wines.

Rhône: North Versus South

The Rhône Valley demonstrates how terroir changes with latitude:

Northern Rhône: Steep slopes, single varieties, continental climate - Syrah in Hermitage: powerful, peppery, age-worthy - Viognier in Condrieu: exotic, perfumed, rare

Southern Rhône: Gentler terrain, blended wines, Mediterranean influence - Châteauneuf-du-Pape: up to 13 varieties creating complexity - Gigondas: Grenache-based warmth and spice

Loire: River of Diversity

Following the Loire River reveals how the same grape expresses differently: - Chenin Blanc in Vouvray: can be dry, sweet, or sparkling - Chenin Blanc in Savennières: always dry, mineral, age-worthy - Chenin Blanc in Anjou: often sweet, sometimes transcendent