68. WSET Level 2: Intro to Burgundy Wine Laws and Classifications

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In this episode, Joanne introduces the fascinating world of Burgundy (or Bourgogne) and unpacks the wine laws at the WSET Level 2 level. This is the start of a four-part series on Burgundy, where history, geography, and classification come together to shape one of the most famous wine regions in the world.

You'll learn about:

• How Burgundy compares to Bordeaux in size and production.

• The climate differences between Chablis, the Côte d'Or, and the Mâconnais.

• Why Burgundy's geography and soil diversity create such nuance in its wines.

• The pyramid of Burgundy's appellation system: Regional, Village, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru.

• Key appellations to know for WSET Level 2, including Chablis, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Beaune, Pommard, Mâcon, and Pouilly-Fuissé.

• The ongoing debate of "Burgundy" vs. "Bourgogne" — which one should we use?

Burgundy may look deceptively simple—white wines are Chardonnay, red wines are Pinot Noir—but this episode shows why its classification system makes it one of the most complex and fascinating regions to study.

Stay tuned for the next episode in this series, where we'll take a deeper dive into Burgundy's history and how it connects to today's wine laws.