A new book by Jean-Robert Pitte, the former President of the University Paris Sorbonne, has attempted to patch up the centuries-old rivalry between the two warring French wine-producing regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy.

Bordeaux vs. Burgundy
In his book, Bordeaux/Burgundy: A Vintage Rivalry, Pitte outlines the differences in production between the two regions and explains why, instead od hating each other, they should respect both the traditional practices largely preserved in Bordeaux, and the new technologically advanced practices adopted by the Burgundy set.

Burgundy stronger
The vintners of Bordeaux have long enjoyed the luxury of having acres and acres of sun-kissed valleys in which their grapes can mature. By quickly finding a lucrative market in northern European countries such as Britain and Germany, the producers had to find a way that the wines could be made to last long journeys, often crossing water also. The wines of the Bordeaux region were therefore made stronger and sturdier in order to go the extra mile.

Meanwhile Burgundy's viticulture has also been shaped by its geographical position, as being situated further north, growers have to rely more on solar-power technology in order for their viens to ripen. In contrast, Burgundy wines had a vigorous internal trade with Paris and the French court. The contrasting lighter and more sensual style of Burgundy wines reflect much less stressful transportation.

Pitte provides a rich and well-documented history of the two regions and the past, present and future of their bitter feud. He says that the dialogue between Burgundy and Bordeaux should continue and strengthen if they are to move forward: "Bordeaux and Burgundy, fraternal enemies, are two faces of a stimulating dialectic and debate that one must hope will not soon cease."