Chardonnay

75cl * Vegan * 13.0% ABV * Burgundy, France

A rich, vibrant and well-balanced wine by Louis Jadot from the Chateau des Jacques estate in Moulin a Vent, Burgundy. The fruit comes from the old vines of the Grand Clos de Loyse, a 9ha vineyard planted solely with Chardonnay under the Beaujolais Blanc appellation. Chardonnay has been cultivated here since 1643, when Chartreux monks took over the land from the Lord of Loyse, up until the French Revolution. It was bought by Maison Louis Jadot in 1996. The terroir differs greatly from the rest of southern Burgundy, with alluvial soil on granite bedrock giving the wine a fruitier character.

The wine is bottled young, after cool fermentation and aging in stainless steel vats, to preserve the freshness and purity of the fruit. Half of the wine will have aged on its lees in oak burgundian barrels, bringing richness and complexity. Juicy and crisp, textured with finely grained tannins followed by fresh acidity, it is perfectly drinkable now, and will continue to develop its aromas with 5-10 years of bottle aging.

This is the perfect wine to bring along to a picnic – it will work well with grilled and roasted white meats, fish and shellfish, salads and most cheeses like goats cheese, brie or comt. For meal pairings, think chicken and mushroom stroganoff, grilled fish, pizza or pasta.