2023 Louis Latour - Chardonnay IGP Ardeche (750ml)
Maison Louis Latour is one of the most innovative producers in Burgundy. In 1979, the valley of the Ardèche river — with its clay and limestone-based soils — was chosen as the ideal location to produce a top-quality Chardonnay. Vines average 25 years of age, planted in exceptionally sunny locations, cultivated following sustainable agriculture with limited yields.
Winemaking
The Chardonnay d'Ardèche is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats with complete malolactic fermentation, then aged in stainless steel for approximately 8 to 10 months. It is a fresh and easy-drinking wine. No oak is used — this is the unoaked version of the Ardèche range (as opposed to the barrel-aged Grand Ardèche).
2023 Tasting Notes
The 2023 reveals a beautiful pale gold color with an initial flinty nose that evolves into notes of acacia flowers and citrus fruit. It is a suave wine with plenty of roundness, supported by medium acidity, with floral and candied lemon aromas on the palate.
On the palate it stands out for its powerful character with a charming balance between freshness and acidity, a subtle creaminess and balanced structure, with a long and persistent finish.
Style & Value
It is consistently described as a good-value, unoaked, fresh but stone-fruit fleshy bottling that exhibits Burgundian qualities despite its grapes being grown further south. One critic noted it as "lean and mineral as Chablis" with crisp, unoaked fruit and clay-limestone soils lending genuine character.
A reliable, crowd-pleasing weekday Chardonnay with genuine Burgundian DNA at a fraction of the price. Best served well chilled and drunk young — no need to cellar this one. Pairs beautifully with seafood, light chicken dishes, and soft cheeses.