Les vins de Bourgogne, La Côte Chalonnaise - Le Maconnais 1942

This detailed 1942 map is part of the Atlas de la France Vinicole, an ambitious cartographic work by Louis Larmat devoted to the geography of France’s wine regions. The sheet focuses on two important areas of southern Burgundy: Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais, illustrating their vineyards, towns, and geological structure.

Stretching south of the famous Côte de Beaune, the Côte Chalonnaise forms a chain of vineyard-covered hills known for producing expressive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. The map highlights key villages and appellations such as Mercurey and Montagny, with inset maps offering a closer view of these important vineyard areas. Through color-coded sections and detailed topography, the document reveals how the vineyards follow the slopes and contours of the land.

Further south lies the Mâconnais, a region characterized by rolling hills and limestone outcrops that create ideal conditions for white wines, particularly those made from Chardonnay. The map includes a detailed inset of the prestigious Pouilly-Fuissé vineyards, emphasizing the distinctive terroirs that contribute to the reputation of this celebrated wine.

Louis Larmat’s atlas was one of the earliest comprehensive attempts to visually document France’s viticultural landscape. Combining geographic precision with wine scholarship, the maps illustrate the relationship between soil composition, topography, and vineyard placement. This approach helped readers understand how subtle variations in terrain shape the identity and character of Burgundy wines.

Beyond their scientific and educational value, these maps are admired for their refined graphic design. Elegant typography, careful color usage, and finely detailed line work transform technical information into visually engaging compositions. Each sheet serves not only as a guide to wine geography but also as a testament to the artistry of mid-twentieth-century cartography.

Today, original sheets from the Atlas de la France Vinicole are highly sought after by collectors of wine history and decorative cartography, offering a fascinating glimpse into the landscape and traditions of Burgundy’s celebrated vineyards.

Original Poster

Alcohol - Wine - Burgundy - France

Rully - Mercurey - Montagny - Pouilly-Fuissé

Printed by Dorel in Paris

Good condition, creases