A Fantastic White Burgundy Rekindles Chardonnay Passions
By: Jameson Fink
Published: June 6, 2012

There are plenty of dismissive and derisive comments made at the expense of Chardonnay, but fortunately there is enough fantastic White Burgundy out there to restore faith, evoke emotions, and inflame passions. France's famed (and famously expensive) Burgundy region (just south of Dijon) is ground zero for the world finest Chardonnay. But you don't have to break the bank to find, and drink, something memorable and pleasurable.
I've been returning again and again to a wine from producer Bernard Moreau et Fils. Labeled "Bourgogne," it designates a wine made from grapes throughout the entire region of Burgundy (Bourgogne in French), and is a relative bargain compared to the triple-digit prices of the top Chardonnays. Bourgogne Blanc (Chardonnay) is a great way to get introduced to the world White Burgundy, especially if you can find an ace producer like Bernard Moreau.
I'd also like to note that this wine is oaked. As much as Chardonnay has taken a beating, oaked Chardonnay has been taken out to the woodshed even more. Frankly, I've had many unoaked Chardonnays devoid of flavor and interest. Used sparingly and skillfully, oak adds a wonderful richness and distinct flavor to a grape like Chardonnay.
There has to be a happy medium between heavily oaked, marshmallow-y, stick-o-butter, sweet Chardonnays and thin, acidic, anemic versions. And the Bernard Moreau will make you a believer with its elegance.
A richer Chardonnay is also perfect with richer seafood dishes. Foodista has 5 great recipes for Copper River Salmon.