January is ‘Burgundy month’ in the wine business and it’s my favourite wine region in the world.
2010 Mâcon-Charnay, Le Clos Saint-Pierre, Verget, Burgundy, France (£14.00, Oddbins). I love this ripe, juicy chardonnay and its intensity of flavour and heavenly aroma are redolent of a much dearer wine. Verget is a fine producer and this is a massive treat for white Burgundy fans.
2011 Chablis, Domaine Daniel Dampt (£12.85, Haynes, Hanson & Clark tel. 020 7584 7927 & www.hhandc.co.uk). One of the best 2011 Chablis around, this vintage was a challenge in the region so you must tread carefully. Dampt is a mastercraftsman and this beautiful, lithe wine will thrill your palate. HH&C also have stunning magnums for £27.50 and cheeky little half bottles for £7.15, too!
2010 Volnay, Domaine Vaudoisey (£22.00, Marks & Spencer). A new producer to me and this Volnay is a really impressive pinot noir with tender fruit and pure, red cherry aromas. Just starting out of a five year life this is an enchanting creation and only four barrels were made making it ultra-rare.
2010 Chorey-lès-Beaune, Joseph Drouhin (£15.99, Waitrose). Drouhin is a mighty name in the region and this delightful, silky-smooth pinot noir is already charming on the palate with wild strawberry nuances and a long, languid finish. Only a whisper of oak is evident making it a fruit-forward beauty.
2011 Bourgogne Aligoté, Domaine Sylvain Pataille (£11.50, The Wine Society tel. 01438 741177). With chardonnay and pinot noir being the two main grapes in the region the other much less famous variety, aligoté, is often forgotten about. This is the finest example I have tasted for ages and it is made from over 60 year old wines! Classy white Burgundy with a cunning twist.
