At $16, this crisp, oak-less chardonnay is price stocking up on

LouisragJuly 27, 2023

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At $16, this crisp, oak-less chardonnay is worth stocking up on

Southern France has all the time produced terrific values in wine, however a noteworthy pattern previously decade or so has been wines produced from grapes related to extra prestigious and costly appellations farther north. Chardonnay, for instance. Benjamin Meï gives the most recent instance right here. We even have an uncommon and scrumptious white mix from Piemonte in northern Italy and a deep, savory pinot noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

Maison Meï De Terra Méditerranée Chardonnay 2022

(2.5 stars)

I did a double-take on the label after taking a primary sip of this pretty wine. Sure, it’s chardonnay. However don’t anticipate the smooth, oaky or buttery chardonnay it’s possible you’ll be used to at this value. That is racy and contemporary, with flavors of nectarine and mango, unencumbered by oak. Winemaker Benjamin Meï additionally produces a scrumptious rosé referred to as De Terra Luberon. Alcohol by quantity: 13.5 %. Bottle weight: 415 grams (Mild).

Imported and distributed domestically by DeChaunac Wine Imports.

G.D. Vajra Luigi Baudana Dragon 2022

(3 stars)

This can be a very uncommon subject mix of white varieties that aren’t sometimes present in Italy’s Piemonte area. In line with the vineyard web site, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, riesling and nascetta — a regional native for expressive floral aromas — every play a task. ABV: 14 %. BW: 490 grams (Mild).

Imported by Vajra USA. Distributed domestically by Winebow.

Torii Mor Pinot Noir 2021

(3 stars)

Willamette Valley, Ore., $34

Followers of Oregon pinot noir will acknowledge this because the “valley mix” of Torii Mor, an introduction to their extra specialised and particular pinots from single-vineyard websites. (That’s a well-known mannequin for the Willamette Valley.) This wine is lush and smooth with darkish fruit flavors of blackberry and blueberry, with an umami character that hints of mushrooms. Torii Mor is situated within the Dundee Hills AVA, the place volcanic soils usually give wines a stony austerity and tart cherry fruit high quality. This mix suggests vineyards within the marine soils of Yamhill-Carlton or the richer terroirs of the Chehalem Mountains on the northern edges of the Willamette Valley. ABV: 13.5 %. BW: 650 grams (Common).

Distributed domestically by Artisans & Vines, LK Wine Tours & Sales.

Costs are approximate. For availability, test Wine.com, Wine-searcher.com and the web sites and social media feeds of the wineries, importers or distributors. You may also ask your native retailer to order wines from the distributors listed.