As far as vineyards are concerned, the
notion of Burgundy usually refers to the 4 great "Côtes"
which extend from Dijon to Mâcon : the Côte
de Nuits, the Côte de Beaune
(which together form the Côte
d'Or), the Côte Chalonnaise
and the Côte Mâconnaise.
Within these 4 vine growing areas, Bouchard Père &
Fils has a unique collection of prestigious "appellations"
capable of suiting all tastes (130 hectares in the heart of
the Côte d'Or and at Bouzeron).
In Burgundy, the exposure of the vineyards and the geological
characteristics play a prime role in the cultivation of Pinot
Noir and Chardonnay varieties.
In general, the sub-soil is not very deep and one soon reaches
rock which is only just under the surface at the top of the
Côte d'Or, preventing any vegetation from growing. The
roots of the vine have to grow deep down to seek nourishment
for the plant, which is beneficial : indeed, the more difficult
it is for the vine find its food, the better the grapes, for
they are more concentrated, better flavoured and more resistant
to disease.
