I stumbled on this inexpensive white Burgundy during my wine tasting extravaganza last week. The Les Charmes (about $11, and available at Goody Goody and Central Market) is an example of a wine that gets lost in the cracks — a solid value that is overlooked in the rush to find new wines, hipper wines, and trendier wines. Which is too bad, because it’s well worth drinking. (The above link is in French, in case anyone feels adventurous.)
White Burgundy is chardonnay, and in the Macon (a region in Burgundy), this kind of chardonnay isn’t aged in oak. That delivers a crisper, cleaner, more fruit-centered wine than most California chardonnay. Look for green apple, a little lemon, and a refreshing finish. Serve it chilled with main course salads, grilled and roasted chicken, and even as an aperitif.
Wine winners: Results for The Dallas Morning News Wine Competition, one of the most prestigious in the country, are here. The seven gold medal wines for $12 or less include some surprises, especially the Barefoot sparkling wine. I tasted it with my wine class, and it seemed quite undistinguished.
