Which grape dominates red wines in Burgundy's Côte de Nuits?

• A. Chardonnay
• B. Merlot
• C. Syrah
• D. Pinot Noir

Answer: (D)

Pinot Noir is the grape that dominates red wines in Burgundy's Côte de Nuits. This cooler, mother-narrows climate and rocky soils are ideal for Pinot Noir, yielding reds known for finesse, bright acidity, and complex nuances that express their specific vineyard sites. Côte de Nuits is famous for its red Burgundies—villages like Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny, and Vosne-Romanée showcase Pinot Noir at its finest, including many legendary grands et premiers crus. By contrast, Chardonnay is the white grape that defines Burgundy’s white wines, especially in nearby areas like Côte de Beaune. Merlot and Syrah aren’t the signature red varieties of this region—they’re more associated with Bordeaux and the Rhône, respectively. This is why Pinot Noir stands out as the defining grape for red Burgundy in this area.