Two of the most iconic names wine lovers and enthusiasts won’t stop talking about or drinking, right ?
Browsing through wine shelves you must’ve been intrigued by Bordeaux and Burgundy - two of the most iconic wine regions and wines of France. Both these regions enjoy the love, fame and uniqueness of equal measure. But, they are vividly different in style and experience and thus, have their own respective fan clubs. Bordeaux and Burgundy wines are named after regions of their origin and this is true for French as well as wines from other old world wine regions.
THE REGIONS: BIG VS SMALL
BORDEAUX is an opulent stage of iconic French wine, with 60+ appellations, some of world’s most famous châteaux, and a strong export market. Names like Pauillac, Margaux, Saint-Émilion, Saint Estephe carry serious weight in the wine world.
With over 120,000 hectares under vine (land in vineyard use) Bordeaux is a vast region that’s immaculately organised. In Bordeaux, it’s about big estates, bold blends and an export and business model named - ‘La Place de Bordeaux’, that has been running like clockwork for centuries.
Bordeaux is a benchmark for age-worthy reds that are blended to perfect themselves with bottle ageing. Story of left vs. right bank, further adds to the intrigue of wine experts, collectors and casual drinkers alike. Of course, Bordeaux is also known for iconic sweet wines like Sauternes and Barsac, as well as, for zesty yet intensely flavoured Bordeaux whites which are usually a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sèmillon .
If you romanticise picturesque vineyards, grand châteaux, a mesmerising wine city by the river, world’s first interactive wine museum and of course - some structured reds ! This Bordeaux wine and travel blog is for you. Save it if you’re planning a trip to Bordeaux.
A breathtaking charcuterie and wine gift-set with the - iconic ‘Pauillac’ ! Perfect for a classy and rustic backyard evening. Find this and many more Bordeaux wine gift baskets paired with gourmet treats, ready to be shipped straight to your or well, anyone’s doorstep.
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BURGUNDY or BOURGOGNE is more personal with smaller plots, single vineyards, varietal wines and producers focused on terroir - in short, a soulful experience. Nestled in the beauteous hills of eastern France, Burgundy is a region built on precision and place. Why precision? Burgundy wines are known for their ability to point at and showcase subtle differences in wines, just when grapes used are grown on two different plots of the very same vineyard.
Burgundy wines are not focused on big blends but on tiniest details of: soil, slope and direction of the hill, barrel age and size, and of course, the gentle and well towed hands that till the vineyards with their labour of love. It’s wine grown with humility and intention for excellence.
Burgundy is a beautiful patchwork of vineyards and is formed by many regions within it, each unique and special for its own qualities. It is broken down into sub-regions : Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise & Mâconnais. The wines we relish come from hundreds of villages and vineyards (climats) that lie within these sub-regions.
If pure one of those Pinot Noir lovers who have fallen for its mystical nature, read our special blog to know Pinot Noir through its many layers. Save this section, to look up these regions on a wine map or if you are planning a trip down the famous ‘Rue de Grand Cru’.
Whether you’re a host or a guest - this gift set of Burgundy royalty will ensure that you make a lasting impact.
Château Corton Grancey Grand Cru Three Vintages Gift Set
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GRAPE VARIETIES - GREAT BLENDS VS VARIETAL PURITY
One of the biggest differences in Bordeaux and Burgundy lie in the grape varieties and how they are used.
Bordeaux is a region that has mastered the art of blending. Bordeaux reds are almost always blends, but the dominant grape in any blend depends on where you are - Left Bank or Right Bank. Located on either side of the river, both areas have their dominant grapes. It’s Cabernet Sauvignon on the warm gravelly soils of the Left Bank, whereas, Merlot thrives on the cooler clay soils of the Right Bank.
Other black grape varieties like Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec are used as a part of these blends and add to the stricture and aroma profile of the wines. White wines of Bordeaux are usually a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, expect flavour depth and complexity. But hey, why blend at all? Read on ! Since Bordeaux has a maritime climate, rainfall is high and there can be a significant variation in each year’s crop - so to ensure balance, complexity and consistency Bordeaux’s expert winemakers have blended grapes for centuries to craft long-lived, great wines.
Burgundy is synonymous with varietal purity. The hero of red wines here is - Pinot Noir, while Chardonnay is the guy for whites. Wines are not blended but are rather terroir centric - reds are 100% Pinot Noir and whites are 100% Chardonnay.
Since the winemakers let terroir do the talking, no two Pinot Noirs from vineyards just meters away are same. Soil and microclimate do the talking here.
TASTING, WINE AND FOOD PAIRING - BORDEAUX AND BURGUNDY
Tasting bold vs elegant - that is exactly what you’re going to do when tasting wines from Bordeaux and Burgundy. Take a glance at how each one bursts into vividly different flavours on your palate:
| Region | Red Wine Tastes Like | White Wine Tastes Like |
|---|---|---|
| Bordeaux | Full-bodied, structured, dark fruit, cedar, tobacco, often high and structured tannins | Zesty, herbal, citrusy (especially from Graves), structured with medium body |
| Burgundy | Lighter, earthy, cherry, floral, silky tannins | Mineral, creamy, lemon curd, lemon tart, with ageing potential |
And yes - save this pocket chart for next time you open a bottle of these French icons.
Now, let us look at some food and wine pairings! Pairing wine and food is an exercise that allows you to take a deeper dive into wine’s hidden flavours. Bordeaux and Burgundy wines keep a lot undercover - want to open up complex layers of flavours and aromas ?
Let’s see what they pair well with!
Here are a few of my personal favourites along with some vegan friendly pairing suggestions:
| Wine Style | Food pairings |
|---|---|
| Bordeaux Red | Steak in mushroom sauce, lamb chops, aged sharp cheddar, butter chicken, tandoori lamb kebabs. Vegan - rajma (kidney beans) curry and steamed rice, stir fried tofu and veggies |
| Bordeaux White | Oysters, goat cheese salad, grilled fish, paneer or chicken tikka (marinated cottage cheese or chicken cooked in a clay oven), butter garlic naan. Vegan - pesto hummus and pita, masala lemon rice |
| Burgundy Red (Pinot Noir) | Braised duck, mushroom risotto, mildly spiced roast lamb, dal makhani, kadhai paneer (cottage cheese in creamy gravy). Vegan - veg biryani, grilled cauliflower |
| Burgundy White(Chardonnay) | Lobster, roast chicken, Brie, malai kofta (veggie and dry fruit dumplings in a creamy gravy), fish moilee (south Indian delicacy). Vegan - methi corn pulao, jackfruit cutlets with mint chutney |
Every wine interacts differently with food flavours - So i’d say it’s a blank canvas laid out - go on and splash the flavours you love ! Save these food and wine pairings for your next wine themed party. It’s got something to please everyone!
Chateau Rauzan Segla Holiday Wishes Gift Basket
Now, we know Christmas is a bit away but we have to tell you what’s coming! We are stocking up on these gourmet Christmas wine gift baskets - exclusive and handpicked wines with treats that scream - holiday table! Browse and order from our - cute and classy collection of Wine and Chocolate Gift Baskets.
Savor the essence of France with our French Red and White Bordeaux Wine Gift Set. Perfect for any occasion, this gift set features refreshing a refreshing White wine from Chateau La Freynelle Bordeaux Blanc and a Chateau Blaignan Médoc Red Wine. Accompanied by a delightful Godiva chocolate box, it's a timeless wine and chocolate gift that brings joy to every celebration. Check out our exclusive range of hand crafted, gourmet French Wine Gift Baskets!
PRICING & PRESTIGE – WHY ARE THESE WINES SO EXPENSIVE?
You know: when most people hear Bordeaux or Burgundy, they also think…pretty dollars. And yes, both regions have bottles that sell for hundreds — even thousands — of dollars. But there’s more to the story.
Bordeaux is home to some of the most famous wine estates in the world — like Château Margaux, Lafite Rothschild, and Mouton Rothschild. These wines are made in large quantities, aged for decades, and traded like ultra luxe assets. The top-tier wines are called classified growths - collectors and investors go after them. But don’t worry — you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a Bordeaux. The region does offer some great value buys like - Haut Medoc and Côte de Bordeaux to name a few.
Pro Tip: Look for second labels from top châteaux — they offer great quality for less as wines are from same producer, same winemaking expertise, only they’re made from younger vines and are meant to be enjoyed at an earlier age compared to - ‘Grand Vin’ (the château’s first wine/label). Check it out here.
In Burgundy, things work differently. The region is tiny, and many wines come from micro vineyards, sometimes as tiny as one side of a small slope. Because of that, supply is limited. When a vineyard is well-known (like Romanée-Conti), and the wine is excellent, the demand skyrockets and prices also see astronomical highs. Even so, there are delicious, affordable Burgundies too. Try - Bourgogne Rouge or Bourgogne Blanc, Mâcon-Village or Côte Chalonnaise wines.
Pro Tip: if you’re curious about a value label you’ve seen, read about the producer — even basic level wines can shine if made with care.
So, Bordeaux and Burgundy which Region Is More Expensive?
It depends. At the very top end, Burgundy can be pricier because of rarity. But Bordeaux offers more high-end names with wider availability. Both regions have smart and value buys if you know where to look.
The Chateau Cos d'Estournel Blanc 2020 is a refined Bordeaux blend from Saint-Estèphe, offering bright aromas of citrus, white peach, and delicate blossom notes. Crisp and elegant on the palate, it balances fresh acidity with layered flavours of stone fruit, subtle spice, and mineral undertones. Pairs well with seafood, light poultry dishes, and soft cheeses. Shop now to enjoy a classic expression of balance, freshness, and finesse.
FINALLY - BORDEAUX VS. BURGUNDY, A CELEBRATION NOT A COMPETITION
Now that you’ve explored the wines, grapes, regions, and rich traditions behind Bordeaux and Burgundy, it’s clear - this isn’t about which is better. It’s about starting a conversation — one that continues every time you open a bottle, share a glass, or discover a new producer.
From opulent, age-worthy wines to affordable hidden gems, both regions offer something for every palate and pocket. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or just making a weeknight dinner feel special, the right bottle of French Wine can turn any moment into a memory.
Explore our Exquisite French Wine Gift Baskets — bring together handpicked bottles from the legendary regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy — two of the most iconic names in the wine world.
Choose from a curated selection of:
- Velvety and robust Bordeaux blends with rich, dark fruit and age-worthy depth
- Classy Burgundian Pinots and Chardonnays that express true terroir
- Artisan pairings like wine and gourmet cheeses, wine and fine chocolates, and also charcuterie
- Thoughtfully packed and fully customizable for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, corporate gifting, or just because you want to pamper yourself!
Each basket is beautifully wrapped, with a personalised note option, and delivered straight to your door. That’s - Luxury made simple, Gifting made unforgettable.
Curious to learn more? Don’t miss our deep dives into Bordeaux (from my latest trip to the region) and Burgundy (a peek into Pinot Noir’s mystical nature) — the stories, grapes, and food pairings you’ll want to bookmark.
Know More : Best French Wines To Gift
Save this post for your next French Wine adventure and let every bottle be a talking point.
DRINK RESPONSIBLY AND TAKE LIFE ONE SIP AT A TIME!
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