Abbotts & Delaunay, Domaine De La Métairie D′Alon ′Le Village′ Organic Chardonnay 2021, Languedoc

If you’re seeking out elegant Chardonnay, the warm Languedoc might not be the first place you’d look. But in the right spot – and in the right hands – the grape can produce refreshing wines to rival the best of Burgundy. Côte de Nuits native, Laurent Delaunay, acquired Domaine de la La Métairie d’Alon in 2015 – a high-altitude vineyard in the cool foothills of the Pyrenees. He farms organically, and with vast experience of crafting fine Burgundy wines, brings the same standards of winemaking to new territory. The handpicked grapes for Le Village are gently pressed, with 75% of cuvée spending 8 months ageing on its lees to add complexity. The remaining 25% is kept in stainless steel tanks, altogether resulting in a rich wine balanced by freshness. Expect intense notes of white peach, ripe lemon, banana and hints of fresh pastry and hazelnut. It’s full, rounded character makes it the perfect choice for creamy chicken and fish dishes.