The white wines from France’s famed Burgundy region—not always but most often Chardonnay—are some of the most beloved from around the world. The region’s cool climate and limestone-rich soil yield exceptional bottles, whether it’s a splurgy Grand Cru for special occasions or an affordable everyday option from one of the larger appellations.
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“There’s something about the complex aromas of white Burgundy that you just can’t ignore,” says Anna-Christina Cabrales, Wine Enthusiast’s tasting director. “The refreshing combination of fine elegance or power in citrus fruit balanced with a complex layer of florals and minerality tells me I’m in Burgundy. In developed wines, this only intensifies, but the condition of fruits and florals feel dry or dehydrated with interesting notes of toffee or honey.”
White wines from Burgundy are often savored on their own, but they’re especially versatile when it comes to pairings. (Some suggestions? Barbecued tuna, veggie burgers, burgers with mushroom sauce or pork.) “Enjoyed with food, I often regret that the bottle wasn’t a magnum,” Cabrales says.
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Though it’s hard to find a bad Chardonnay from Burgundy, we figured we’d help you out by asking the experts which bottles stand out from the already impressive pack. They rounded up six of our favorite wines, from budget-conscious Chablis and Pouilly-Fuissé to indulgent Premier Cru worth saving for a celebration. Take a look below.
Domaine du Roc des Boutires 2020 Premier Cru Aux Chailloux (Pouilly-Fuissé)
Ripe lemons, pink lady apple, Bosc pear, honeysuckle and salty sweet butter come together in the glass. Round and focused with brisk acidity that refreshes and provides lift especially to its intense mineral midpalate. Wonderful to enjoy now. 93 points. — Anna-Christina Cabrales
$64.99 Wine.com
La Chablisienne 2020 Fourchaume Premier Cru (Chablis)
Subtle aromas of muddled lemon wedges and dandelions harmonize with tall wet grass, fresh hay and broken stone. The palate is rounded by lactic softness, with flavors of lemon pith, lime skin and bruised apple caressed by light kelp and hay. Mouth-watering acidity energizes the palate as the wine finishes with intense salinity. 93 points. — A.C.
$94.99 Bowery & Vine
Domaine Jean Dauvissat Père et Fils 2020 Côte de Léchet Premier Cru (Chablis)
Pure and fresh aromas of citrus and Anjou pear are balanced by notes of wet dandelion and stone on the nose. The wine is round and salinic, accentuating a subtle yet persistent limestone, leading to a hay and kelp finish. This expression pairs well with sushi. 92 points. — A.C.
$69.99 Paradise Wine
Louis Jadot 2020 Premier Cru (Pouilly-Fuissé)
Aromas of both tart and ripe Meyer lemon, Gala apple and honeysuckle are framed by note of light brioche with brown butter. The palate is elegant and energetic with refreshing acidity that accentuates the toasted brioche note, adding depth to its fruit profile. Enjoyable now. 93 points. — A.C.
$39.99 Plum Market
Domaine L. Chatelain 2021 Chablis
Fresh Meyer lemon, Bosc pear, lemongrass, straw and wet stone on the nose. The palate is intensely mineral-laden with crisp acidity that highlights soft citrus and hay notes on the finish. A beautiful accompaniment with shellfish. 91 points. — A.C.
$39.99 Total Wine
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Published: April 24, 2024
