variety: chardonnay
appellation: Macon-Villages (Burgundy), France
organic

This is the chardonnay for all of the folks out there who still think they don’t like chardonnay. Domaine de la Verpaille is a fifth generation estate run by Baptiste and Estelle Philippe, based in the center of the Viré commune of southern Burgundy. The old family vineyards on clay-limestone soil were converted to organic in 2006 and all of the focus is on chardonnay, with passive cellar practices like slow natural fermentation and extended lees aging. The Macon-Villages is produced from vines over 100 years old and the wine has a lovely balance of freshness and texture. Subtly floral with bright citrus and minerality, enjoy with light appetizers or an autumn salad of tender kale, roasted squash, and goat cheese.