Chardonnay Côte Chalonnaise, Cave de Vignerons de Buxy, 2022
Chardonnay Côte Chalonnaise, Cave de Vignerons de Buxy, 2022
- White Still
- 75CL
- 13%
- Chardonnay
Couldn't load pickup availability
Indulge in the exquisite flavours of Chardonnay Côte Chalonnaise from Cave de Vignerons de Buxy. Sourced from calcium-rich soil and grown on hillsides with an east/south east aspect, this 2022 vintage boasts refreshing citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit, complemented by ripe peach and honeysuckle.
Soft, fresh, and generous on the palate, it truly captures the essence of Chardonnay from this unique part of the world.
This 2022 Chardonnay is approaching its optimal drinking window, displaying primary fruit at its peak integration with mineral undertones. Over the next two years, the citrus freshness will gradually soften while stone fruit flavours become more prominent. The wine's mineral backbone will provide structure throughout its drinking window, though it's designed for earlier consumption rather than long-term cellaring to preserve its appealing freshness.
Tasting Notes
AppearancePale gold with green tinges, crystal clear with medium intensity.
NoseFresh citrus aromas of lemon and grapefruit dominate, supported by ripe peach and subtle honeysuckle. Clean mineral undertones reflect the limestone terroir. The nose shows good intensity without being overpowering.
PalateMedium-bodied with refreshing acidity that carries the citrus flavours beautifully. Stone fruit richness balances the mineral backbone, while subtle floral elements add complexity. The wine feels generous yet maintains excellent freshness throughout.
FinishClean and persistent with lingering citrus and mineral notes.
Overall impressionA well-crafted Burgundian Chardonnay that captures regional character at an accessible level.
Food Pairings
In the Côte Chalonnaise, this Chardonnay pairs beautifully with local specialities like escargots de Bourgogne in garlic butter and fresh herbs. The wine's citrus brightness complements the region's famous Chaource cheese, while its mineral backbone matches perfectly with pike perch from the Saône River. Traditional coq au vin blanc, using the local white wine in the sauce, creates a harmonious pairing that celebrates the terroir.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve chilled at 10-12°C to preserve the fresh citrus character and mineral precision. No decanting required; open just before serving to maintain the wine's vibrant freshness. Use a medium-sized white wine glass with a slightly tapered bowl to concentrate the delicate aromas. The wine benefits from gentle handling to preserve its elegant structure.
The Côte Chalonnaise vineyards sit on calcium-rich limestone soils with clay subsoils, providing excellent drainage and mineral complexity. East and southeast-facing slopes capture morning sunlight while avoiding excessive afternoon heat, creating ideal conditions for Chardonnay ripening. The continental climate with moderate rainfall allows for concentrated fruit development while preserving natural acidity.
Côte Chalonnaise sits between the prestigious Côte d'Or and the Mâconnais, offering excellent value Burgundian wines with authentic terroir expression. The appellation allows both red and white wines, with Chardonnay particularly successful on the limestone-rich slopes. While less celebrated than its northern neighbour, the Côte Chalonnaise produces wines with genuine Burgundian character at more accessible prices.
The 2022 growing season in Burgundy began with considerable promise before presenting vignerons with familiar yet testing conditions. Spring brought welcome rainfall after a dry winter, though frost concerns lingered into May. The summer months proved challenging, with periods of intense heat and drought stress affecting vine development across the Côte d'Or. September rains arrived at a crucial moment, refreshing the vines and allowing for better phenolic ripeness, though careful selection became essential during harvest to maintain quality standards.
The resulting wines display the hallmarks of a warm, dry vintage with concentrated fruit and good structure, though yields were notably reduced. Pinot Noir shows appealing intensity with ripe red fruit character, while maintaining the elegant backbone that defines quality Burgundy. Chardonnay performed particularly well, producing wines with excellent concentration and mineral precision. The best examples from skilled producers offer immediate charm but possess the balance to develop gracefully over the next decade, making 2022 accessible for early drinking whilst rewarding those with patience to cellar the finest cuvées.
FAQs
How does this compare to Chablis?
While both express Burgundian Chardonnay on limestone soils, this Côte Chalonnaise offers riper fruit character and slightly more body than typical Chablis, with less pronounced minerality but excellent value.
Should I decant this wine?
No decanting required. This wine is best served directly from the bottle after chilling to preserve its fresh, vibrant character and delicate aromatics.
What's the difference between cooperative and estate wines?
Cooperative wines like this combine fruit from multiple growers, often providing excellent value and consistency. While lacking individual estate character, quality cooperatives like Buxy maintain high standards across their range.
How long will this keep once opened?
Store in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days. The wine's fresh acidity helps preserve it, but the delicate aromatics will fade relatively quickly once exposed to air.
Is this wine suitable for cellaring?
This style is designed for near-term drinking to showcase its fresh fruit character. While it won't deteriorate quickly, it won't significantly improve with extended cellaring beyond 2029.
What makes Côte Chalonnaise special?
The Côte Chalonnaise offers authentic Burgundian terroir at accessible prices, sitting between the prestigious Côte d'Or and Mâconnais. The limestone soils and continental climate create wines with genuine regional character.
-
Free UK Delivery
Learn about deliveryGet free UK delivery when you spend £75 or more on duty paid wine
-
Save 30% on a host of quality wines
Our fine wines are sourced from our sister retailers, but offered at a substantial discount to their previous selling prices.