($16, Vineyard Brands):  The Loire Valley is home to a vast number of wines made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape, the best known of which are those from Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé appellations.  But other appellations, such as the wider one, Tourraine, should not be forgotten, especially as prices of Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé rise. … Read more

($35):  What a great village Chablis!  It demonstrates the importance of the producer and old vines.  With this wine, Jean-Marc Brocard, one of the region’s top growers, delivers more character and clarity than many producers’ premier cru.  Flinty and precise, it cuts a gorgeous profile.… Read more

($18, Kobrand Wine & Spirits):  Jadot is justly proud of their “simple” Bourgogne Blanc.  The grapes — all Chardonnay — come from throughout Burgundy, allowing them to alter the blend as the vintage demands.  With a slightly warmer vintage, they can include grapes from cooler continue to keep the wine fresh. … Read more

($45, Louis Latour, USA):  Maison Louis Latour, on of Burgundy’s top producers, made a spectacular array of white wines in 2017.  This Premier Cru from Pernand-Vergelesses is just one example.  Latour owns a portion of the vineyard, En Caradeux, which sits in an ideal position in the middle of the slope, facing east, which means it’s a Domaine or Estate wine. … Read more

($25, Maison Marques et Domaines): Saint-Bris, formerly known as Sauvignon de Saint Bris before it was elevated to appellation d’origine controllée (AOC) status, is curious and unique in Burgundy.  Located in the far north, near Chablis and covering a mere 200 acres, it requires the use of Sauvignon Blanc, not Chardonnay, for its wines. … Read more

($26, Louis Latour, USA):  Côteaux Bourguignons is a relatively new appellation, replacing Bourgogne Grand Ordinaire, an appellation I’ve never seen in the U.S., perhaps because a “grand ordinary” wine is hard to sell.  Grapes for this appellation can come from anywhere in Burgundy, from Beaujolais in the south to Irancy in the north. … Read more

($25, Maison Marques et Domaines): Saint-Bris, formerly known as Sauvignon de Saint Bris before it was elevated to appellation d’origine controllée (AOC) status, is curious and unique in Burgundy.  Located in the far north, near Chablis and covering a mere 200 acres, it requires the use of Sauvignon Blanc, not Chardonnay, for its wines. … Read more

($26, Louis Latour, USA):  Côteaux Bourguignons is a relatively new appellation, replacing Bourgogne Grand Ordinaire, an appellation I’ve never seen in the U.S., perhaps because a “grand ordinary” wine is hard to sell.  Grapes for this appellation can come from anywhere in Burgundy, from Beaujolais in the south to Irancy in the north. … Read more

($20):  Simonnet-Febvre, another superb Chablis producer, crafts a consistently balanced Saint-Bris. The initial whiff screams Sauvignon Blanc, but amazingly, within minutes, aromas and then flavors of wet stone appear.  Clean and cutting, this edgy wine displays plenty of depth.  Where are the steamed clams?… Read more

($33):  Based in Puligny-Montrachet, Domaine Paul Pernot et Fils, a family-owned and run domaine, is one of Burgundy’s stars for white wines.  No question, their Bâtard-and Bienvenue-Bâtard-Montrachet are stunning, albeit at triple digit prices.  They put the same care that goes into those Grand Crus into their Bourgogne Aligoté. … Read more

($20):  Irancy, a small red wine appellation in northern Burgundy, near Chablis, is a name to remember.  Its northern locale has meant lean and angular wines in the past because Pinot Noir was tough to ripen.  But climate change in general and the wonderfully warm 2015 vintage means it’s time to take another look at this under-the-radar area. … Read more

($40):  Comte Lafon, one of Burgundy’s most talented and best producers, is known especially for his white wines from Meursault, which usually sell for triple digits upon release.  Here’s a chance to get an insight into his talents with this one from Saint-Véran, appellation bordering Pouilly-Fuissé in the Mâconnais part of Burgundy. … Read more