Chardonnay is the most versatile white wine grape in the world. It travels well, as the glorious examples from Hawkes Bay & Marlborough attest. However France is the spiritual home of Chardonnay with famed white Burgundies at the very top of the pyramid. However, those top Burgundy Chardonnays often cost hundreds of dollars a bottle, so we thought is was about time we put together a collection of great French Chards that you can drink up without burning a hole in your pocket!

All these wines have been selected for their gently oaked, fruit filled personalities overflowing with French zesty ripeness and charm.

2 x Domaine de la Baume 'Les Vignes de Madame' Chardonnay 2017 (Languedoc-Roussillon)

AWARDED 90/100 POINTS: Sam Kim; The Wine Orbit, May 2018

"It is wonderfully fragrant on the nose showing golden peach, rockmelon, nougat and toasted hazelnut characters. The palate is succulent and generously weighted with rich fruit intensity and creamy texture, finishing long and flavoursome. The wine offers elegance as well as power and persistency. At its best: now to 2020" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, May 2018
Beautiful golden yellow. A zest of fresh mandarins. Intense volume on the palate, this chardonnay is smooth, fresh with vanilla notes.  This wine was steel vat fermentated at low temperature before being matured on lees for 3 weeks in the presence of wood.

Domaine de la Baume in the Languedoc-Roussillon region is situated in Servian, between Béziers and the medieval town of Pézenas, at the centre of the world’s largest wine-growing area. In this haven of peace and quiet, one road leads to the magnificent wrought-iron gate adorned with a J and a P, in honour of Jean Prat. Domaine de la Baume is an estate of some 176 hectares, planted with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and of course, Chardonnay.
Food Pairing: Winemakers from La Baume recommend enjoying alongside simply grilled fish or poultry cooked in a creamy sauce such as 'Poulet Vallée D'Auge'.

Seal: Screw Cap (different to image shown) - Alc: 13.5%

2 x Villa Blanche Chardonnay 2017 (Languedoc Roussillon)

AWARDED 91/100 POINTS: Sam Kim; The Wine Orbit, May 2018

AWARDED SILVER MEDAL: Chardonnay du Monde  2018

Just landed, the brand new vintage of perhaps New Zealand's biggest selling and most loved French Chardonnay is here...

"Wonderfully ripe and elegantly fragrant, the attractive bouquet shows white nectarine, rockmelon and nougat characters with subtle notes of vanilla and almond. The palate is succulent and creamy, delivering delectable fruit flavours together with silky texture and refreshing acidity, finishing long and smooth. At its best: now to 2020" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

Food Pairing: This is a rich & vibrant French Chardonnay pairs beautifully with roasted pork and veal dishes such as the French classic 'blanquette de veau'.

Seal: Screw Cap - Alc: 13.5%

2 x Fortant de France Terroir Littoral Chardonnay 2017 (Vin de Pays IGP)

88/100 POINTS: Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Aug 2018

GOLD MEDAL: Japan Women's Wine Awards

"Attractively fruited and elegantly fragrant, the bouquet shows ripe stone fruit, lemon peel, almond and subtle nougat characters. The palate is succulent and beautifully rounded, offering fine texture and smooth mouthfeel, leading to a lingering creamy finish." Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Aug 2018

This wine is brilliant straw yellow in colour and features a generous nose with notes of nectarine and acacia. Round and balanced on the palate with lovely tropical fruit flavours and a long finish

Seal: Cork (different to image shown) - Alc: 13.5%