It’s Hard to Find a Bad White Burgundy—These 10 Are Exceptional
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.
“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.
The Wide World of White Burgundy
Though the reputation of “white Burgundy” might already carry weight to the average wine drinker, the many subregions that make up the côtes each bring something unique and impressive to the table.
Let’s start with the lighter side of the spectrum. Arguably the most famous is Chablis, a subregion hailed across the globe for its incredibly crisp, mineral-driven profile. Somewhat similar in style are Montagny and Mercurey—perennial value-driven picks—that scream classic Burgundian Chardonnay.
Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault fall on the richer, more layered side. Both boast nutty, buttery notes but with a strong backbone of acidity. Pouilly-Fuissé also offers full-bodied opulence with ample citrus and mineral notes. The power and regality of honeyed Corton-Charlemagne never ceases to impress, while up-and-comer and insider-darling Saint-Aubin (known to be sharp when young but fleshier and fuller with age) makes its case for being the next-big-thing.
Wherever you land, there’s white Burgundy that will entice you with its charms.
While it may be hard to find a bad Chardonnay from Burgundy, we figured we’d help you out by picking 10 bottles that stand out from the already impressive pack. From budget-conscious Montagny and Pouilly-Fuissé to indulgent Premier Cru worth saving for a celebration, buy these bottles now.
Grand Cru
Domaine Laroche 2022 Les Clos (Chablis)
Complex and layered, this wine strikes a beautiful balance between power and elegance, with ripe citrus, white wildflowers, and earthy white mushroom aromas. Its freshness is stunning, with bright acidity highlighting alluvial stone and mushroom notes, finishing with a fine saline edge. Stunning demonstrating it has all the potential to evolve gracefully with time. 95 points. — Anna-Christina Cabrales
$196.98
Liquorama
Louis Jadot 2021 Blanchot Grand Cru (Chablis)
This wine displays great tension and laser-like precision, featuring notes of white peach, acacia, white mushroom, and wildflowers, all underscored by an abundance of minerality. On the palate, it offers good volume, texture, and acidity, with umami-rich fresh apples, kelp, and lady pink apples. Complex and versatile, it pairs beautifully with spiced dishes and can cellar well through 2035+. 95 points. Cellar Selection. — A.C.C.
$149.99
Total Wine & More
Louis Latour 2020 Grand Cru (Corton-Charlemagne)
Immediate aromas of honeysuckle, white mushroom, fennel give way to a layer of fresh citrus and delicate vanilla aromas. The palate is bold and rich with buttered brioche topped with ripe Korean pear with shaved lemon zest and a sprinkle of white peppercorn. Cellar through 2028+. 92 points. — A.C.C.
$300.00
Brix26
Premier Cru
Château de Chamirey 2020 La Mission Monopole Premier Cru (Mercurey)
Aromas of both tart and ripe This wine boasts a dynamic aromatic expression of ripe Meyer lemon, green pear, and gardenia, accented by vanilla pod and stone. Bright acidity is balanced by texture and warm baking spices, revealing complexity with a refreshing hint of ocean spray that tempers its richness and power. Allow it to integrate further in the bottle. Cellar well through 2028+ before revisiting. 95 points. — A.C.C.
$89.99
Wine.com
Chapelle de Blagny 2021 Hameau de Blagny Premier Cru (Puligny-Montrachet)
This wine evokes the freshness of a garden, with notes reminiscent of a gentle breeze, white mushroom and delicate wildflowers. The palate offers elegant flavors of Anjou pear, white mushroom, salt and stone, with mouthfilling acidity ensuring levity and freshness. A beautiful way to start the afternoon with friends. 94 points. — A.C.C.
$144.20
Saratoga Wine
Bouchard Père & Fils 2019 Premier Cru (Beaune)
$54.99
Wine.com
Château de Chamilly 2021 Les Burnins Premier Cru (Montagny)
$39.99
Plum Market
Philippe Colin 2021 Les Combes Premier Cru (Saint-Aubin)
$99.97
Flask Fine Wines
Village Level
Joseph Drouhin 2022 Meursault
$109.99
Wine.com
Château de Fuissé 2020 Tête de Cuvée (Pouilly-Fuissé)
$48.99
Total Wine & More
More Chardonnay Coverage
- In California, ‘almost magical’ Chardonnay offers a balance of freshness and flavor.
- These Napa and Sonoma producers are bringing out the best in Chardonnay.
- Why your Chardonnay tastes the way it does.
- Read the essential guide to Chardonnay to become a true expert.
- Here’s why Chablis is the ultimate Chardonnay.
In the shop
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