"I'm a winemaker but also a consumer. Burgundy is the best place for Chardonnay."- Grégoire Pissot, Winemaker, Cave de Lugny
Cave de Lugny winemaker Grégoire Pissot is on a mission to remind us of White Burgundy's many charms. Armed with his affable personality and expressive wines, Grégoire is winning over drinkers one bottle at a time. While Chardonnay may not be the hot new grape in town, Cave de Lugny's wines are a delicious reminder that classic doesn't mean boring or expensive. Well-crafted and affordably priced, Cave de Lugny delivers French ooh la la without breaking the bank.
image courtesy of Cave de Lugny
Founded in 1926, Cave de Lugny is a cooperative of family-owned wine-growing estates in the Mâconnais region in southern Burgundy. The #1 white Burgundy producer in the world, 90% of Cave de Lugny's production is Chardonnay; which they craft in the traditional Burgundy style -- unoaked and on the lees so that the wines are vibrant and complex. They also adhere to strict growing standards and eco-friendly practices. I recently had the pleasure of tasting two Cave de Lugny wines with Grégoire and agree with his assessment that their Chardonnay from the Mâconnais is "easy and very drinkable." But the wines still have tremendous personality and energy.
Cave de Lugny "La Côte Blanche" Chardonnay, Mâcon-Villages 2016 ($13)
Refreshing and luscious with crisp minerality, La Côte Blanche is a delightful introduction to the Cave de Lugny style. Lively flavors of lemon curd and citrus fruits are balanced out by a long dry finish.
Cave de Lugny "Les Charmes" Chardonnay, Mâcon-Lugny 2016 ($16)
Grégoire describes Les Charmes as "the wine that best expresses Mâcon." Chardonnay grapes for this impressive wine are sourced from a single vineyard, with some vines as old as 35-40 years. Richly textured and with elegantly restrained citrus flavors that are balanced out by hints of spice and honey, Les Charmes offers plenty of finesse and nuance at a great price.
If you're planning a trip to Burgundy, Cave de Lugny offers wine tourism opportunities. Until then, get to know Cave de Lugny Chardonnay with a bottle of La Côte Blanche or Les Charmes. Cheers!
