Today’s white wine is 100% Chardonnay–you can be sure of it. Not only because Chardonnay is the only permitted variety in the Mâcon-Villages appellation, but also because the label proudly proclaims it to be so: “Chardonnay.”
Although it’s jarring to see the name of a grape beneath the sloping shoulders of a Burgundy bottle, it is a marketing superpower of the Mâcon-Villages AOC. Never mind the image crisis that Chardonnay is having right now–it still has plenty of die-hard fans.
Whether they gravitate to Chardonnay or scorn it, American drinkers have some strong feelings about the variety. And because American drinkers also really love to hate on oak at the moment, Cave de Lugny has taken label transparency one step further and added the word “Unoaked.”
“I am not a heavy, stuffy white Burgundy!” this label shouts…in case you couldn’t already tell from the screw cap.
Tasting Cave de Lugny
It pours up pale gold with a fresh, sunny brightness. The nose, at first, gives a rather vague impression of orchard fruit. Sipping it reveals a medium-bodied wine with classic flavors of golden apple, pear flower, and nectarine, along with a lingering taste of lemon and almond extract. Medium acidity and a clean, dry, mineral-water finish.
Some very slight sourdough aromas coat the bottom of the glass, revealing that sur lie maturation is practiced with “La Côte Blanche” to give it some texture in the absence of oak treatment. Malolactic conversion is also allowed to produce a wine that’s mellow in the mouth and a little creamy–but certainly not a butter bomb. This very affordable, agreeable bottle is made from 100% Cave de Lugny estate-grown grapes.
One of the strengths of Chardonnay and white Burgundy in particular is its ability to pair well with many kinds of food. Though I confess to being unmoved by this wine on the first gulp–I like my Mâconnais full and peachy–its versatility is undeniable. Extra points for value and convenience.
So, if you’re looking for a house-party bottle under $15 that still has that Burgundian je ne sais quoi–one that also won’t offend the oak haters in your group–why not grab a couple of bottles?
I have the 2022 vintage at home, and am currently pouring the 2023 at work. Both are crisp and balanced and ready to drink.
“La Côte Blanche” will complement fish, poultry, light pastas, cream sauces, quiches, entree salads, lobster/crab, mixed hors d’oeuvres…many of the dishes you might whip up for company. And thanks to that screwcap, you don’t even need to bust out the wine key.
Service tip: Don’t forget to let your Burgundy warm up slightly before serving, if you’re so inclined. The recommended temperature is 9-11 degrees Celsius, or about 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
I also found that this particular bottle benefits from some light aeration. I’m not fancy enough to decant my white wines, but I thought it tasted rounder and more articulate on the second day (and even on the third day) of being open in the fridge.
Bottle: Cave de Lugny Mâcon-Villages “La Côte Blanche” Unoaked Chardonnay (2022)
Variety: Chardonnay (100%)
ABV: 13%
Suggested retail: $14.99
My rating: 8.2 (out of 10)
Review disclosure: I was not compensated or provided any free products for this review. Opinions expressed on The Wine Fairy blog are entirely my own.
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