Novellum Chardonnay ‘23

This French Chardonnay from the Languedoc region displays a brilliant pale gold hue with green reflections, hinting at its vibrant freshness. The nose offers an elegant bouquet of white peach, citrus blossom, and a subtle hint of toasted almond, revealing its partial aging in French oak. On the palate, it presents a beautiful balance between richness and acidity, with flavors of ripe pear, lemon curd, and a touch of vanilla spice. The winemaking process includes fermentation in stainless steel with 30% of the wine aged in neutral oak barrels for added complexity without overwhelming oak influence. Earning 90 points for its excellent quality-to-price ratio, this Chardonnay pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, seafood pasta, or creamy cheeses. The finish is clean and persistent, with lingering notes of citrus and wet stone that reflect the cool terroir of the region. This is an outstanding example of how Languedoc can produce Chardonnays that rival Burgundy at a fraction of the price.