Les Volets Chardonnay 2024

The cooler pockets of the Languedoc are where Chardonnay thrives, and the Haute Vallée de l’Aude, up in the hills around Limoux and where this well-made example comes from is just such an area. A touch of oak brings out ripe yellow plum and brioche flavours, kept fresh by bright acidity and a hint of toasted hazelnut. Succulent, with a subtle savoury edge on the finish, it's got more than a passing resemblance to a decent Burgundian Chardonnay while being somewhat more pocket friendly at the same time..

A silky wonder with things like creamy chicken dishes or a rich mushroom risotto, the bright acidity cuts through the richness, while the subtle oak and savoury finish brings everything together nicely.

Boutinot, the guys responsible for the Les Volets range, is a big name in the UK's wine scene and are behind many labels seen on shelves up and down the country. Paul Boutinot kicked things off in 1980, starting with importing wines and soon partnering with winemakers around the globe. They've since gone on to produce their own wines from places like the Rhône Valley, Italy, South Africa and many other places. Their secret is in backing passionate winemakers who aren't afraid to push the envelope, always aiming for wines that really capture the essence of their regions. This, along with providing excellent value for money, is something they've really nailed.