Sommelier Secrets: Understanding Burgundy vs. Bordeaux

In France, wine is not just a drink; it is geography in a bottle. As a guide who specializes in French gastronomy, the most common question I get is: "What is the difference between Burgundy and Bordeaux?"

To the uninitiated, they are just "red wine." To the French, they are opposing philosophies.

1. The Philosophy: The Monk vs. The Merchant

This historical distinction defines everything.

Sunlight filtering through grapevines in a French vineyard

• Burgundy (Bourgogne) was developed by Cistercian monks in the Middle Ages. They were obsessed with the land. They noticed that grapes grown here tasted different from grapes grown 10 meters away. This gave birth to the concept of Terroir.
• Bordeaux was developed by merchants and aristocrats with access to the Atlantic trade routes. It was a commercial powerhouse, built on blending different grapes to create a consistent "brand" (Château) style.

2. The Grapes: Purity vs. Harmony

Burgundy: The Soloist

Burgundy is almost always a single varietal.

• Red: 100% Pinot Noir.
• White: 100% Chardonnay.

Because it is one grape, there is nowhere to hide. The wine is a direct translation of the soil and the weather. It is elegant, earthy, acidic, and complex. It whispers.

Bordeaux: The Orchestra

Bordeaux is almost always a blend.

• Left Bank: Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (structure, tannins).
• Right Bank: Dominated by Merlot (fruit, softness).

The winemaker blends these (along with Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) to create balance. Bordeaux is bold, tannic, and age-worthy. It shouts.

3. The Bottle Shape

You can tell them apart before you even read the label.

• Burgundy: Sloped shoulders. Smooth, feminine curves.
• Bordeaux: High, sharp shoulders. Masculine and structured. (Historically, the shoulders caught the sediment when decanting).

4. Which One Should You Order?

• Order Burgundy if: You are eating roast chicken, mushrooms, duck, or creamy cheeses. You prefer lighter, aromatic wines that evolve in the glass.
• Order Bordeaux if: You are eating a steak, lamb, or heavy stew. You want a powerful wine with grip and body.

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Taste Paris With Me

Wine is best understood through tasting, not reading. On my Tailormade Food & Wine Tours, we can visit legendary Parisian caves (wine cellars).

I will teach you how to read a French wine label, how to swirl and sniff like a pro, and most importantly, how to pair the right bottle with your meal.

Santé!