Geography: The Golden Slope

The Côte d'Or

Burgundy's heart is the Côte d'Or (Golden Slope), divided into:

Côte de Nuits (coat duh NWEE): Pinot Noir's kingdom - Runs from Marsannay to Corgoloin - East-facing slopes catch morning sun - Limestone-rich soils perfect for red wine - Contains most famous Grand Crus

Côte de Beaune (coat duh BONE): More diverse - From Ladoix to Santenay - Still mostly east-facing - More clay, more white wine - Home to all white Grand Crus except one

Beyond the Côte d'Or

Chablis (shah-BLEE): Chardonnay's northern outpost - 100 miles northwest, technically Burgundy - Kimmeridgian limestone (ancient seabed) - Steely, mineral wines unlike any other Chardonnay - Frost a constant threat

Côte Chalonnaise (coat shah-lon-EZZ): The value zone - Continuation of Côte d'Or geology - Similar grapes, simpler wines, better prices - Rising quality as négociants invest

Mâconnais (mah-con-EH): Chardonnay country - Warmer, more Mediterranean influence - Source of affordable, fruity Chardonnay - Pouilly-Fuissé can rival Côte d'Or quality