The culinary specialities of Burgundy
Burgundy, with its picturesque landscapes and rich gastronomic heritage, embodies the very essence of French culture. This region, famous for its prestigious wines and refined cuisine, offers an invitation to an unrivalled culinary journey. A visit to Burgundy reveals not only its renowned vineyards but also a culinary tradition deeply rooted in the history and fertile soil of this beautiful province.
Burgundian cuisine is a celebration of the region's richness. Iconic dishes such as boeuf bourguignon and escargots de Bourgogne illustrate how local produce is transformed into exquisite culinary creations. These recipes, handed down from generation to generation, are the result of a deep respect for local ingredients and techniques that have stood the test of time.
As you explore this article, get ready for a taste journey that will take you to the heart of Burgundy, where every dish and every glass of wine is a gateway to the history and culture of one of France's most gourmet regions.
Must-try Burgundy dishes
The unmissable boeuf bourguignon
This dish, a symbol of Burgundian cuisine, is a perfect marriage of beef and the region's red wine. Its slow, meticulous preparation reveals deep, complex flavours. For an authentic culinary experience, we recommend a visit to the Bouchon Bourguignon, where this dish is prepared according to local traditions.
Burgundy snails, a typical dish but misunderstood by foreigners
Known for their generous size and delicate flavour, Burgundy snails are often prepared with butter, garlic and parsley. They are a culinary tradition at festive occasions. To find out how these little gastropods are transformed into exquisite dishes, stop off at the Cassissium, which also celebrates the region's famous blackcurrant liqueur.
All cheeses and dairy products
Burgundy, renowned for its wines, is just as famous for its cheeses, true symbols of the region's gastronomic diversity. Among these cheeses, Époisses stands out. This soft cheese with a washed rind is known for its strong smell and rich, powerful flavour. It is traditionally washed with marc de Bourgogne, giving it a unique character.
Another cheese jewel of the region is Charolais, a PDO goat's milk cheese made from raw milk, with a fine texture and a delicately nutty flavour. As it matures, it develops a natural fluffy rind that is an invitation to taste.
Mâconnais, also a small goat's milk cheese, can be recognised by its characteristic truncated cone shape. Its flavour is both sweet and tangy, reflecting the rich pastures of the region.
Cîteaux, made by the monks of Cîteaux Abbey, is a lesser-known cheese but just as tasty, with a supple texture and a slightly fruity flavour.
Chaource, although mainly produced in Aube, is also considered Burgundian because of its history and geographical proximity. It has a creamy texture and a delicate flavour, perfect for finishing a meal on a light note.
Finally, Brillat-Savarin, named after the famous gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, is a rich and voluptuous triple cream cheese. It is often served on special occasions, reflecting the opulence of the table.
To discover these cheeses and many more, visit the Moutarderie Edmond Fallot, where the combination of fine mustards with the local cheeses creates unforgettable taste experiences.
Sweets and confectionery
Apple Flamusse
This light, flambéed apple tart is a typical dessert of the region. It reflects the simplicity and purity of Burgundian desserts. For a real immersion in traditional Burgundy pastry-making, visit the Mulot et Petitjean Gingerbread Factory.
Nonnettes
These delicious little cakes with honey and marmalade are a speciality of Dijon. When you visit the Maison aux Mille Truffes by L'Or des Valois, you'll discover not only nonnettes but also Burgundy truffles, another of the region's gastronomic treasures.
Burgundy, land of great wines
Burgundy is one of the world's most famous and respected wine-growing regions, renowned for its complex, elegant wines that captivate the palates of connoisseurs and wine-lovers alike. Burgundy's unique terroir, characterised by varied soils and a favourable climate, gives rise to wines that are a true expression of their place of origin.
Grape varieties in Bourbonnais
Chardonnay
The king of Burgundy white wines, Chardonnay produces wines renowned for their finesse, richness and aromatic complexity. Notes of stone fruit, citrus and a distinctive minerality are often present, with an exceptional capacity for ageing.
Pinot Noir
For red wines, Pinot Noir reigns supreme in Burgundy. This delicate grape variety is famous for its ability to subtly translate the nuances of its terroir, offering a range of flavours from fresh red fruit to spice, with elegant tannins and refined structure.
Some of Burgundy's great estates and climats to discover (H3)
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti
Arguably the most prestigious estate in Burgundy, it is famous for producing some of the most expensive and sought-after wines in the world, including Romanée-Conti and La Tâche, which are perfect examples of what Pinot Noir can express in Burgundy.
Domaine Leflaive
One of the great names in Burgundy white wines, this domaine is renowned for its powerful and refined Puligny-Montrachet, which is considered to be one of the finest examples of Chardonnay in the world.
Domaine Leroy
Renowned for its biodynamic viticulture methods, this estate produces red Pinot Noir wines that are powerful, concentrated expressions of the Burgundy terroir.
The 'Climats' of Burgundy, a term unique to the region, refer to precisely delimited parcels of land, each with its own microclimate and soil conditions that significantly influence the character of the wines. In 2015, the Climats de Bourgogne were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, underlining their cultural and historical importance.
Côte de Nuits
Located in the northern part of Burgundy, this area produces some of the world's most prestigious red wines, including Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée, and Chambolle-Musigny.
Côte de Beaune
Known for its exceptional white wines, this region is home to the famous Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet appellations.
This diversity of grape varieties, combined with specific climates and estates, means that Burgundy can offer an impressive range of wines, each offering a unique experience that reflects the specific place from which it comes. For wine lovers, a visit to the Burgundy Wine School offers an incomparable opportunity to understand and appreciate the complexity and beauty of Burgundy wines
Burgundy offers an unforgettable culinary journey, revealing flavours that will captivate the most refined palates. Every dish, every cheese and every glass of wine carries with it the essence of a rich tradition and age-old know-how. We invite you to explore these delights and immerse yourself in Burgundian culture on your next visit.