Which wine region is known for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as principal grapes and is one of the oldest wine growing regions in the world?

• A. Burgundy
• B. Bordeaux
• C. Champagne
• D. Loire Valley

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that a region’s identity can hinge on its defining grape pair and its long tradition of winemaking. Burgundy is famous for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as its two defining grape varieties—White Burgundy is Chardonnay and Red Burgundy is Pinot Noir—so those grapes shape the region’s style across its famed villages and vineyard classifications. At the same time, Burgundy is one of the oldest wine-growing areas in Europe, with viticulture dating back to Roman times and a continuous winemaking culture through the medieval era to today. That combination of iconic grape pairing and ancient heritage makes Burgundy the best match.

For contrast, Bordeaux centers on red blends dominated by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon; Champagne is renowned for sparkling wines produced mainly from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier but isn’t defined by Chardonnay/Pinot Noir as its sole identity; Loire Valley features Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc as its whites and Cabernet Franc among reds, with Pinot Noir not the region’s primary grape.