Bourgogne Blanc - White Burgundy - is a true celebration of French winemaking.

We're going to take you on a journey through the celebrated sub-regions, revealing how unique terroirs and ageing transform these wines, and the essential food pairings to help you savour every nuance.

We're focusing our sites on the legendary Chardonnay, powerhouse of the wine world and a star grape of Champagne, Australia, California, and many other places.

Pioneered by monastic orders such as the Cistercians, Burgundy’s vineyards have long been revered for their ability to express the nuances of terroir.

Key Regions, Terroir, Ageing, and Pairings

Each region in Burgundy imparts its own distinctive style, whether it’s the steely, mineral expression of Chablis, the opulent, creamy richness of the Côte de Beaune, or the vibrant, fruit-forward character of the Mâconnais.

Chablis: Crisp, Minerally, and Ever-Evolving

Terroir & Flavour Profile

Situated in the northernmost part of Burgundy, Chablis is renowned for its cool climate and distinctive Kimmeridgian limestone soils. 

Rich in clay, fossil fragments, and oyster shells (deposits from an ancient seabed), these elements imbue Chablis with a chalky minerality and high acidity, delivering a signature steely, flinty character alongside vibrant citrus notes.

Aging Potential

Chablis can be enjoyed early or after time in bottle. There's no "right" or "wrong" answer and it often comes down to personal preference.

Young Chablis bursts with zesty acidity, pronounced citrus, and a vibrant mineral edge, while time softens the wine and develops layers of honeyed complexity, subtle flint, and a more rounded texture.

Food Pairings

Maybe it's due to the origins of the area, but it's hard to avoid seafood - especially oysters and shellfish - as the go-to meal for Chablis as the crisp, minerally profile enhances the natural salinity of fresh seafood. Beyond that, light fish dishes, such as sushi and sashimi or a lovely grilled fillet, pair beautifully given the refreshing acidity is an excellent match for delicate flavours.

Côte de Beaune: Rich, Creamy, and Deeply Complex

Terroir & Flavour Profile

The Côte de Beaune, located in the heart of Burgundy, benefits from a slightly warmer climate and varied soils, resulting in wines that are fuller and more opulent.

This region is home to illustrious villages such as Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, and Meursault, each offering a distinct expression.

Puligny-Montrachet: Wines here are celebrated for their precise mineral structure and elegant fruit, with a refined, subtle oak influence.
Chassagne-Montrachet: Often producing rounder wines with ripe stone fruit and a balanced integration of oak.
Meursault: Renowned for its lush, buttery texture and nutty, toasty complexity.

Aging Potential

Young Côte de Beaune wines exhibit a harmonious blend of fruit and a touch of oak, making them immediately appealing. As these wines mature, they develop intricate tertiary notes that really lift the wine. Ranging from toasted nuts and dried apricot to hints of earth and spice, the results can be sumptuous, multi-faceted and ideal for savoury dishes.

Food Pairings

Stepping up the body and boldness of the wines from the minerality of Chablis, the extra fruit and texture lends itself to richer food.

The rich, oaky character of these wines enhances the luxurious texture of lobster or scallops in a cream sauce. Perfection. Roasted chicken, turkey, or goose, with all of the trimmings of course, again allows the balancing of the wine's body with that of the meal. That's also where rissotto comes forward, especially with lovely earthy mushrooms, where the toasted notes of the mature Côte de Beaune match the savoury intensity of the dish.

Mâconnais: Approachable, Fruit-Driven, and Vibrant

Terroir & Flavour Profile

Located in the southern part of Burgundy, the Mâconnais region enjoys a warmer climate and diverse soils, producing white wines that are typically more accessible and vibrant. These wines often exhibit bright citrus, tropical fruit notes, and a lively freshness that makes them particularly appealing when young.

Here there's three key areas to highlight. Mâcon-Villages wines tend to be more straightforward, fresh, and easy-drinking, with an emphasis on crisp acidity.
Pouilly-Fuissé (not to be confused with the Loire's Pouilly-Fumé) is a step up in complexity, with a balance between the ripe fruit flavours with subtle oak and a hint of minerality. Saint-Véran, known for their delicate floral aromatics and refined finish, round out the region's offerings.

Ageing Potential

Young Mâconnais wines are exuberant and fruit-driven, perfect for those who enjoy a lively, refreshing glass with minimal oak influence.

Although typically enjoyed in their youth, select Mâconnais wines can develop additional complexity with limited ageing, softening into more nuanced expressions while maintaining their inherent vibrancy.

Food Pairings

The bright, zesty nature of these wines makes them an ideal companion for grilled fish and vegetable medleys, perfect for light, summery dishes. Their natural vibrancy is further enhanced when paired with herb-infused dishes, as fresh herbs like basil and mint beautifully complement the citrus and tropical notes of Mâconnais wines. Additionally, their approachable style pairs wonderfully with soft, fresh cheeses such as tangy goats cheese or mild feta, creating a delightful balance that elevates the entire dining experience.

Conclusion

Burgundian Chardonnay is more than just a style of wine, it is a journey through the rich tapestry of terroir, history, and winemaking.

From the crisp, mineral-driven expressions of Chablis and the opulent, evolving complexity of the Côte de Beaune, and the vibrant, accessible charm of the Mâconnais, each bottle offers a unique story and a distinct culinary adventure. Whether you prefer your wine youthful and zesty or aged to reveal deep, intricate layers, there's a Chardonnay to suit every palate and occasion.

At Caviste, we celebrate this legacy with our exceptional selection that honours the diverse character of each region. Explore our collection and discover the perfect bottle to enhance your next meal, celebration, or moment of quiet reflection.

Grand Cru Quality Without the Price Tag

As refined as silk, as structured as fine porcelain, and as graceful as a ballerina on the palate.

Hailing from the sun-drenched slopes of Maison Drouhin’s estate, with a whisper of legendary Clos des Mouches declassified nectar, this is a wine of extraordinary pedigree. 

It’s got all the trappings of the world’s finest, as you would expect: hand-harvesting fruit, careful fermentation, and ageing in the finest French oak barrels (10-15% new) to bring richness, balance, complexity and remarkable length.

2020 Maison Joseph Drouhin Côte de Beaune Blanc

As the golden morning light bathes the vineyard, this wine unfolds with aromas of honey and dried apricots, laced with warm toasty oak. The palate is pure poetry with green apple that’s as crisp as autumn air, ripe with stone fruit, and a spine of acidity as fresh as a mountain spring. The finish lingers, long and graceful, like the final notes of a beautiful symphony.

Available today for £50.00 per bottle when bought in a half-dozen. The 2020 Maison Joseph Drouhin Côte de Beaune Blanc carries the weight and elegance of an £80+ Chassagne-Montrachet or Meursault.