Bourgogne Rose (sometimes called Bourgogne Clairet) is the title used for still rose wines produced under the generic Bourgogne appellation. Created in 1937, the Bourgogne title covers Burgundy wines produced from vineyards that do not have more location-specific appellations. Bourgogne Rose and Bourgogne Clairet wines can be made from grapes grown in any one (or more) of 300 communes throughout the region.
Pinot Noir is the predominant grape in Bourgogne Rose and Bourgogne Clairet wines, accompanied by Pinot Gris. The white varieties Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc are permitted as auxiliaries. The less well-known red variety Cesar is also allowed, but only in the Yonne department in north-western Burgundy.
Because they employ the same grape varieties, the production area for Bourgogne Rose wines is closely linked to that of Bourgogne Rouge. It currently covers around 4600 acres (1850ha), spread right across Burgundy. In the Cote de Beaune and Cote de Nuits sub-regions, plantings are mostly concentrated on the lower slopes of the Cote d'Or escarpment; the land on the mid-slopes is generally occupied by more-prestigious Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards. Although covered by the Bourgogne appellation, the highest land in the Cote d'Or produces very little Bourgogne Clairet or Bourgogne Rose, as it is also included in the more-respected Hautes Cotes de Beaune and Hautes Cotes de Nuits titles.
The appellation laws for Bourgogne wines are generally less restrictive than for Burgundy's location-specific titles. The maximum permitted yield is lower and the regulations around vineyard-management factors, such as vine training techniques and vineyard planting densities, are also more relaxed.
