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 it was about time we put together a collection of great French Chardonnay 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. And better yet all sealed under screwcap to guarantee freshness!

Collection includes:

2 x Villa Blanche Chardonnay 2021 (France)

AWARDED GOLD MEDAL: American Awards 2022
AWARDED SILVER MEDAL: Chardonnay du Monde 2022

Villa Blanche is stunning award-winning Chardonnay from the south of France. Floral, apple and peach notes with lovely mouth-feel and a more-ish, satisfying finish. Comfortably the least expensive wine in the Gold Medal winning category of the 50 Top Chardonnays of the World Competition!

Elegantly pale, shimmering, limpid. In this vintage that was wetter than previous years, the aromas remain powerful. We find the same notes of apricot, vine peach and aniseed that are characteristic of our Villa Blanche Chardonnay, with the discreet fragrance of vanilla and coconut in complement. The palate is perfectly balanced, fresh, fruity and dense at the same time, thanks to harvesting in two stages to ensure ideal ripeness, and the important work of blending. Full bodied and harmonious on opening with exotic notes of mango and citrus fruit, and finishing on supremely smooth toasted notes. The 2019 vintage offers a mouth-watering touch of salinity as a final note. We have remained faithful to the typical characteristics of this wine, but with perhaps more predominant freshness in this vintage.

Alc: 13.5%

2 x Domaine de la Baume 'Les Vignes de Madame' Chardonnay 2021 (France)

AWARDED 91/100 POINTS & 4.5 STARS: Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

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.

"It's charming and elegantly expressed on the nose showing ripe peach, fig, nougat and roasted cashew aromas, followed by a beautifully rounded palate delivering creamy texture backed by refreshing acidity. Attractively styled and delightfully appealing. At its best: now to 2026" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

Alc: 14%

2 x Fortant de France 'Terroir d'Altitude' Chardonnay 2020 (France)

AWARDED 91/100 POINTS & 4.5 STARS: Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

"Beautifully styled and elegantly expressed, the wine shows white flesh stone fruit, lemon zest, fig and oatmeal aromas on the nose, followed by a finely flowing palate that's delightfully ripe and creamy. Well balanced by juicy acidity, offering charming drinking. At its best: now to 2025" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

The story of Fortant began in the 1920s with the Skalli family. Originally from Algeria, Robert Skalli fell in love with the wines of southern France. Thus began his affair with the grape, planting vines in his home country and producing wines of generosity from low-yielding vines. In 1961, Robert’s son Francis fell in love with the very same French wines, the Languedoc-Roussillon in particular. The beautiful backdrop of the Med became Fortant HQ, now over four generations. Throughout the Languedoc Roussillon, Fortant employ three unique terroirs and a warm climate to produce a range of excellent wines styles.

Alc: 13%

Seal is screw cap which differs from images.