Today we visit France and the lovely 2010 Unaoked Chardonnay from Les Charmes, Macon-Lugny.

A little history, Cave de Lugny is a cooperative of over 250 wine-growing estates and 1500 hectares all AOC Burgundy-Maconnais.  They control approximately 1/3 of production in Southern Burgundy and approximately 50% of the toatl production in Maconnais.  All the grapes from this single vineyard Chardonnay come from a vineyard names “Les Charmes” in the commune of Lugny where they have a chalky and limestone soil.

The wine goes through fermentation in controlled stainless steel vats and then racked on the lees for 12 months.  The wine is bottled after 12 months.  From the soft creamy texture I am assuming it goes through at least 50% malolactic fermentation.

This wine will make a great summer time wine.  A nose of citrus and minerals gives way to a soft creamy texture with flavors of pear, green apple and a bit of limestone.  The wine is very well balanced and has a hit of spice on the finish.

Disclaimer: This wine was a media sample from Pasternak Imports.