Burgundy is so fragmented, that it can be described as a mosaic, whose successive divisions have led to the highest number of appellations per square mile. Going from North to South, one comes first of all to the Yonne (Chablis and Irancy), then the Cote de Nuits and the cote de Beaune, with Meursault and Puligny for the best white wines Then further South, come Chalon-sur-Saone, and Macon with its famous Pouilly-Fuissé. Last comes Beaujolais, stretched out along a 15 km (10 mile) wide strip. Its popularity evokes a companionable glass drunk in a Bistro, and the simple pleasure of a snack.
Every region of Burgundy has its specific soil type - granite, limestone or clay, gentle slopes or well drained hillsides and is perfectly adapted to its environment and climate.
In Burgundy itself (not counting Beaujolais), two vine types predominate, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Pinot Noir, most noble of vine types, accounts for 70% of the surface planted. Here it really shines, producing red wines which are often considered the best in the world !