What’s the difference between Burgundy and Bourgogne?

Answered by Amado Berg

As a sommelier and brewer, I can shed some light on the difference between Burgundy and Bourgogne. Despite being the same region, the terms “Burgundy” and “Bourgogne” are used interchangeably in different languages.

In English, the term “Burgundy” is commonly used to refer to wines from the Burgundy region in France. This is the anglicized version of the name, which is translated from French. On the other hand, “Bourgogne” is the original French name for the region and is used on every label as an AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) or a “Vin de Bourgogne” mention.

The reason for the different translations in different languages is mainly due to the complexities of translating names and terms across languages. Each language has its own conventions and preferences when it comes to translating words, and this is reflected in the different translations of “Bourgogne” into various languages.

It is interesting to note that “Bourgogne” is the only wine region in France whose name is translated into different languages. This highlights the significance and global recognition of the Burgundy region and its wines.

In my personal experience, I have encountered both the terms “Burgundy” and “Bourgogne” in the wine industry. While “Bourgogne” is the more authentic and accurate term, “Burgundy” has become widely accepted and used in English-speaking countries. It is important to note that regardless of the term used, the wines from this region are highly regarded for their quality and uniqueness.

To summarize, the difference between Burgundy and Bourgogne lies in their translations into different languages. “Burgundy” is the anglicized version of the French term “Bourgogne.” However, on wine labels, the term “Bourgogne” is used as an AOC or a “Vin de Bourgogne” mention. Despite the different translations, both terms refer to the same wine region in France.