Another Good Bargain Chardonnay

Picked up a bottle of Droughin Laforet Bourgogne Chardonnay while shopping at Gary's Wine in Madison, during the big sale last week. I am always on the lookout for tasty everyday wines priced under 10 bucks. This one was featured on the floor and looked worth trying. I was not disappointed and plan to pick up more. Plus, it has a screw cap. I love screw caps, they keep the wine after opening better than any other closure.

Produced in the famous Bourgogne, Burgundy area of France home of favorites like Chablis, Meursault, Chassagne Montrachet and Pouilly Fuissé. Some of the most famous wines of the world come from this area. But faced with global competition smart French wine makers are making their wines more accessible and more affordable while maintaining quality.  See Bargain Chardonnay and Chardonnay Face Off.

The Vineyard Maison Joseph Drouhin, has a long history, their "massive cellars under their extensive premises are composed of three separate parts and are preserved in their original state, all classified as historical treasures. The first part, the oldest cellar of the Canons of Beaune with its magnificent Gothic architecture and vaulted ceilings, was built in the thirteenth Century ; the second part is situated beneath the 14th Century former Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy; the third part, situated under the ancient Parliament of Beaune, was built as a wine cellar for the Kings of France in the sixteenth Century."  Winery. Run today by Robert, Laurent, & Frédéric Drouhin, they enjoy a fine reputation. They are represented in the US by Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.

"Laforet Bourgogne Chardonnay is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes, picked by hand, coming  from all over Burgundy. It derives its bouquet and taste from various "terroirs" ; its general character from Macon, its crispy structure from Chablis, its body from Rully, Chassagne and Puligny-Montrachet depending on certain vintages, and its overall nascent complexity from the young vines of Joseph Drouhins own "Crus". Generally, Laforet has a bright and golden-green hue. The wine is very aromatic, full of life and fruit. It has fresh and crispy notes, with crushed grapes and almond flavours." Importer

Available in many stores around NJ priced from $8 to $12.

Don't be misled, put up against a $30 or more bottle of Chard this wine may pale, for everyday sipping, paired with the right foods it is terrific. Chardonnay Food Pairing Guide