Burgundy sends wine lovers into raptures for its role producing arguably the world’s finest chardonnay and pinot noir. The best of these wines are upheld as the global benchmarks of these varietals. With more than 100 appellations, Burgundy’s limestone and clay-based soils have produced wine since the first century.

Burgundy has five key subregions each known for their focus on specific varietals and styles, and the wines’ traits vary hugely, depending on terroir. Discovering where your own tastes lie is part of the journey.

The five key areas of Burgundy winemaking are:

Côte de Nuits: famous for its top Pinot Noir
Côte de Beaune: rich Chardonnay; elegant pinot noir
Chablis: minerally, flinty chardonnay
Mâconnais: great-value, riper chardonnay styles
Côte Chalonnaise: the white grape aligote and sparklings.