the region was part of a vast, tropical sea which created limestone soils, the secret behind the zesty minerality that’s a hallmark of Burgundy wines. In fact, if you venture into the vineyards you can find chunks of limestone or marl (limestone mixed with clay) that have fascinating fossilized sea creatures mixed within.
Winemaking goes back to the Romans in the 1st century AD but it was the Catholic monks that really established the vineyards in the Middle Ages growing grapes for the church and the aristocratic Dukes of Burgundy. The French Revolution gave the land back to the people who, today, pride themselves on their attachment to the land. So much so that many are practicing sustainable, organic and bio-dynamic viticulture and winemaking in ever increasing numbers.