The Climats of Burgundy --A World Heritage Site - Essay Example

The Climats of Burgundy- A World Heritage Site The area known in French as the “Climats du vignoble de Bourgogne” refers to an area in the South West of France which has for centuries been devoted to the cultivation of wine. The word “climat” in French equates to the word “climate” in English and normally refers to weather conditions, but in this case, it is a technical term which captures the unique geographical, historical and social qualities of this special region. It is defined by supporters of the World Heritage Site bidding group as “a parcel of land dedicated to a precisely delimited vineyard, known by that name for hundreds of years, and therefore a precise plot, soil, subsoil, exposure, microclimate and forming together within a vineyard characters that constitute a personality, unique to one terroir and one cru.

” (Climats website) The main argument supporting the bid to be recognized as a world heritage site is that the wine of the Burgundy region is simply the most revered and admired in the whole world, and the Climats preserve not only the product itself but also its long and rich tradition. For two thousand years the combination of nature and man’s dedicated effort have produced a system unrivalled in its ability to maintain this supremely high standard. Modern scientific approaches to wine production are based on the hard-won insights about the cultivation of the land which emerged in Burgundy.

This contribution to human knowledge demonstrates that the Climats region has a universal value and importance, which has continued without interruption for two millennia. The French government and people are justifiably proud of the Climats, and the patchwork of small vineyards that contribute to its unique landscape. The St Emilion winegrowing area is already a world heritage site, and Burgundy’s claim is, if anything, even stronger than that region. From Roman times until the present day, the boundaries of each tiny patch of land have been preserved, and the major road and canal networks of the region still to this day bear witness to the key trade links that were started in those early days.

The historic towns of Dijon and Beaune administer a network of over 1500 separate Climats, and have preserved many of the historical documents and are well placed to pass on their unique legacy for the wine lovers of the future. An application for World Heritage Site status is the best way to ensure that this precious inheritance is supported so that future generations can be assured that French wine will retain its position in the world. The enjoyment of wine is a significant part of French culture, not only in terms of its social contribution, but also in culinary science and the art of fine hospitality.

Across the world the finest restaurants seek out the wines of Burgundy to complement the highest quality cuisine. Protection of their place of origin is a vital way to ensure that this pinnacle of human achievement can be sustained for all the world to enjoy. References “Climats du vignoble de Bourgogne” website. Available in English at: http://www.climats-bourgogne.com/en/#/Accueil