Harvey Nichols Bourgogne Chardonnay 2017 -75cl

With its melodious blend of citrus and minerality this delightfully delicate Chardonnay from the Burgundian estate of Chanson is really something to sing about. Matured in a medieval Bastion for extra resonance it goes down very well accompanied by pâté and charcuteries with an apéro audience.

Our new Bourgogne Chardonnay was made exclusively for us by Domaine Chanson who were bought by Champagne Bollinger just before their 250th anniversary. Massive investment a new winery improved vineyard management and the expertise of Jean-Pierre Confuron* (from Vosne-Romanée’s Domaine Confuron-Cotetidot) have ushered in a new era for this historic Burgundy producer.

Feeling a little like a baby Meursault this pale gold Chardonnay has a gorgeous spring blossom fragrance racy citrus acidity exotic pineapple a touch of yeastiness chalky minerality orchard fruit and the faintest kiss of vanilla oak. Elegant and exceptional value considering the provenance. We also highly recommend serving it alongside lemony fish goats’ cheese or salads flecked with toasted nuts and tropical fruit.

Founded in 1750 Domaine Chanson is one of only half a dozen Burgundy producers remaining from the 18th Century. They boast 45 hectares of organic Premier and Grand Cru vineyards and their wines are aged in the Bastion a 15th Century fortified tower that they purchased after the French Revolution. The walls are seven metres thick at the base ensuring constant temperature and perfect humidity.

*For those not familiar with the oenologist Jean-Pierre Confuron Michel Bettane (one of France’s leading wine critics) wrote an article recently listing ten ‘Masters of Pinot Noir’ and placed Jean-Pierre Confuron in that list amongst the likes of Aubert de Villaine and Bernard Noblet of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Francis Egly of the cult Champagne house Egly-Ouriet and the legendary Lalou Bize-Leroy. This puts in context what high esteem this winemaker is held in.