What is the difference between maroon and bordeaux

This also makes Burgundy home to the concept of lieu-dit site-specific bottlings, which means bottles are crafted from individual vineyard plots for the sake of showcasing regional characteristics. The region is known for its combination of steep slopes and flat plains, dotted with countless small villages in between. Burgundy has a continental climate, which is characterised by chilly winters and hot summers.

Rain, hail, and frost all pose potential threats and are very unpredictable within the region. The region is also known for its limestone-rich soils, which fosters healthy and high-quality fruit. And while Burgundy does indeed produce expensive wines, there are also many affordable options, as well as plenty of wine culture.

Bordeaux and Burgundy both grow a variety of grapes, which is partially where the difference lies. Climate, soil, and method of cultivation, as well as classification, and of course different varieties impact the main differences between the two French wine regions.

There is a notable difference in climate, which accounts not only for how the wine itself tastes, but the great discrepancy in grape varieties grown. Burgundy is a temperate, cool climate. Summers are warm, with cold winters; hail and too much rain are the greatest concerns.

While cold temperatures can be a concern for some years as well, the grapes grown there are especially accustomed, and even suited to cooler climates. In general, as is the case for cool climates in general, that wine produced in Burgundy tends to be lower in alcohol, higher in acidity, and lighter in the body. Bordeaux , by comparison, is a relatively warm climate.

The region is known for mild winters, warm but normally not excessively hot summers, and heavy rainfall during the Spring. As warm-climate grapes, Bordeaux wine tends to be lower in acidity, fuller in body, and more ripe fruit flavors. Soil also impacts quality and cultivation. Bordeaux soil consists of limestone, along with gravel and sand mixtures. This type of soil is suitable for a large variety of grapes, which in part explains a great deal of diversity.

Burgundy also has limestone, but also some clay. Chardonnay thrives with Jurassic Limestone, which is unique to Burgundy. Since both have limestone as a base for much of the soil, the main difference is the sheer variety and gravel and sand vs clay. Wines produced on clay soil tend to more rounded, while wines produced on sand and gravel tend to be higher in alcohol levels.

The very process of how wine is grown and produced is the main difference between Bordeaux and Burgundy.

Though of course there are variations depending on the specific example:. Bordeaux wines have a large output, to say the least. In fact, on average, Bordeaux produces four times as many wines as Burgundy does. The most signature wines of the Bordeaux region are Bordeaux blends. Burgundy , on the other hand, consists of cultivation on smaller plots ad is normally producers wine through smaller cooperatives.

The smaller scale is also more focused: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the main stars. There are fewer wines produced here, and also less variation. Bordeaux blends differ also in terms of general flavor notes, compared with Burgundy wines. That is in part because of the different grape varieties, but also in terms of climate and cultivation techniques. In general, they feature fruity notes with puckering tannins, and flavors such as dark berries, vanilla, licorice, and coffee.

They have a pleasing balance of sweet dark fruit notes with more dry notes and a bit of soft spice to create a full and balanced wine. Those which feature Merlot more than Cabernet Sauvignon tend to be richer and smoother. White Bordeaux blends, on the other hand, are noted for lemons, citrus such as grapefruit, orange, lime and a bit of sweeter, rich notes like honey and vanilla, Still, these tend to be refreshing but pleasant with just the right amount of complexity.

Burgundy wines are mostly known for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir from Burgundy is a delightful blend of earthy notes with a bit of spice and deeper red fruits, like cherries and currants. Rich complexity is prized in both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Burgundy, with a touch of mineral notes.

Hello there! I'm Dr. Vinifera, but you can call me Vinny. Ask me your toughest wine questions , from the fine points of etiquette to the science of winemaking. And don't worry, I'm no wine snob—you can also ask me those "dumb questions" you're too embarrased to ask your wine geek friends! I hope you find my answers educational, empowering and even amusing.

And if I use a Bordeaux red wine in a recipe that calls for Burgundy, will that affect the taste of the dish?