Burgundy is located north of the Rhone in the slopes and valleys of the Saone River, a tributary of the Rhone. Both regions produce superb wines with evident differences.
Enjoying warmer and sunnier climate, Rhone wines are typically bigger, fuller than Burgundy wines. Which are more elegant and structured.
Burgundy's reputation for fine wine-making dates back over 2000 years prior to the Roman occupation of Gaul. The Napoleonic Code, post French Revolution, established equal inheritance for children and fragmented Burgundy in over 1,000 names.
Of those vineyards 33 are classified Grand Cru (1-2% total), 635 Premier Cru (10%) and the rest Villages and Regional.
Burgundy has 4 regions Cote D'Or, Beaujolais, Chalon, and Macon. Dominant varietals is Chardonnay for Whites and Pinot Noir and Gamay for Reds.
Rhone is divided in North and South with distinct climate, soil and varieties. The North has 8 crus and the South 5. The most famous of those are Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, and Cote Rotie in the North and Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas in the South.
In the North, Syrah is the dominant grape. In the South, a blend of Grenache and Syrah is most popular. Although, Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines are allowed to have up to 13 grapes.
