The world famous and ancient Burgundy vineyards cover more than 31,500 square km and stretch like a thin finger for 110 km from Chablis in the north, through the Côte de Nuits to the Côte de Chalonnaise, the Mâconnais and Beaujolais, just north of Lyon. The climate is ideal and the soil rich and fertile, the wines strong, well-structured, balanced and very aromatic. The result is 30,000 growers and over 700 different Appellation Contrôlées. The region may be fragmented but with the emergence of some young and dedicated growers and some superb recent vintages, quality is at an all time high.