Dom. des Terres Dorees Beaujolais Blanc 2007

"The Terres Dorees 2007 Beaujolais Blanc Chardonnay displays a gorgeous aroma of diverse flowers, white peach, lime, grapefruit, and ocean breeze. There is positively chewy substance on the palate, yet the wine remains refreshing and lilting in personality. The chalky, leesy sense of extract is palpable, yet floral nuances and delicate peach and lime fruit positively soar into the finish, along with savory, saline, sweet, scallop-like notes. This beauty is more reminiscent of a fine Chablis or even Riesling than of a Chardonnay from the Macon or Cote d'Or. A revelatory example of what is possible in this appellation and vintage, you can enjoy the Brun 2007 Blanc over at least the next 2-3 years. (And should you run into any remaining bottles of the 2006, buy them, too!)"
-Wine Advocate

The aim at Terres Dorées is to let the varied terroirs express themselves fully. In the early 1990s, Jean-Paul Brun planted 3 hectares of Chardonnay on limestone soil. He has since expanded the production of his well known and sought-after Beaujolais Blanc by contracting grapes from a small number of nearby vignerons.

The clay-limestone soil that the Chardonnay grows on is perfect for the grape. The climate, which is a little warmer than the Côte d'Or enables Jean-Paul to produce a rich wine with lots of character. It is bottled completely unoaked. When young, the wine has a very fruity bouquet that becomes more honeyed as the wine matures.