Combe Rocher Reserve Chardonnay

Once upon a time you heard people talking about ABC (Anything But Chardonnay). But the world’s most popular wine variety has made something of a comeback in recent years. Forget ABC, you can give us a good glass of Chardonnay any day of the week!

Here’s three more letters – LGI. It’s the brainchild of Frenchman Alain Grignon from the Languedoc region in the south of France. Alain’s vision was to produce wine for the international market that offered great bang for your buck. Winner of “Best French Still Wine Producer” of the year at the prestigious Berliner Wein Trophy three years running in 2017, 2018 and 2019 – magnifique!

NZ Master of Wine Steve Bennett scours the globe and (literally) sniffs out bargains to import back into Aotearoa. Combe Rocher literally means ‘Rocky Valley’ and is named after the high altitude, rocky soil vineyards in the south of France that produce the Combe Rocher range.

This is an absolute lesson in cracking value, every day drinking French Chardonnay that won’t break the bank. It’s a lightly oaked style with plenty of citrus and stone fruit flavours and a creamy texture.

Scoring 92/100 with Master of Wine Bob Campbell who said “From the south of France with nectarine, melon, lime/citrus and very subtle oak flavours. Simple, appealing wine supported by gently tangy acidity. Good purity and moderate intensity. Good value at this price ($25). In the style of Mâcon.”

A great style to pair alongside white meats like chicken, pork and fish in rich and creamy sauces.