L'Orval Chardonnay 2003

France’s Burgundy region sets the benchmark worldwide for legendary Chardonnay, but charming examples at approachable price points can be found throughout the country.

Burgundy’s cool, continental climate and Jurassic limestone soils are perfect for the production of elegant Chardonnays of various styles. Chablis, the northernmost region of Burgundy, is a paradise for any lover of bright, firm and often age-worthy versions. The villages of Côte de Beaune in the Cote d’Or offer rich and complex but vibrant examples at premium price points, which also can handle decades of aging.

The Mâconnais in Burgundy’s south and the Languedoc to its southwest produce fruity, soft, value-driven Chardonnay. France’s mountainous Jura shines with its offbeat styles ranging from the everyday, fruit-forward and fine, high quality examples to Cremant (sparkling) and Macvin (a fortified wine).