France - All White Wines
France is revered for its exceptional white wines, which showcase the country's rich winemaking heritage, diverse terroirs, and unwavering commitment to quality. Today, let us embark on a journey through the best white wines that France has to offer, exploring renowned vineyards and the regions that give birth to these extraordinary expressions.
In Burgundy, the appellations of Chablis, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet stand tall as the epitome of excellence in white wine production. Wineries such as Domaine Raveneau, Domaine Dauvissat, and Domaine Leflaive craft mesmerizing Chardonnays that capture the essence of the region's unique Kimmeridgian limestone soils. These wines exhibit precision, purity, and a remarkable balance of mineral notes, citrus flavors, and vibrant acidity.
Moving to the Loire Valley, the vineyards of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are celebrated for their exceptional Sauvignon Blancs. Domaine Vacheron, Domaine Didier Dagueneau, and Domaine Pascal Jolivet create expressive and terroir-driven wines that showcase the region's distinct flinty minerality, zesty citrus, and herbaceous undertones.
Further northeast in France, in the region of Alsace, vineyards such as Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, Domaine Trimbach, and Domaine Weinbach produce stunning white wines from varietals like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris. These wines display remarkable depth, aromatic complexity, and a balance between sweetness and acidity, reflecting the region's unique microclimates and granite-rich soils.
In Bordeaux, the region of Graves is renowned for its white wines, particularly those crafted from the classic grape varieties of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Château Haut-Brion, Château Pape Clément, and Domaine de Chevalier are esteemed vineyards that produce rich and age-worthy white Bordeaux wines. These wines exhibit a beautiful interplay of tropical fruit flavors, vibrant acidity, and a touch of toasty oak.
Finally, in the Rhône Valley, the appellation of Condrieu shines as a beacon of excellence in Viognier production. Renowned vineyards such as Domaine Georges Vernay and Domaine Yves Cuilleron create remarkable Viognier wines that seduce the senses with their exotic aromas of apricot, peach, and delicate floral notes. These wines showcase richness, elegance, and a silky texture that lingers on the palate.
France - All White Wines
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HK$5,405.00 -
Vinous (93+)
(the Moreaus get this fruit from 40-year-old vines in an exchange with another grower): Bright pale yellow. Lovely pure aromas of pear, white flowers and powdered stone. Then almost surprisingly plush and thick but weightless in the mouth, with its tangy citrus peel flavors lifted by a floral topnote. This suave wine boasts impressive stuffing and energy, and its very long, rising finish is seriously tactile but edge-free. Outstanding potential here, but lay it down.HK$9,115.00 -
Wine Advocate (90-92)
The 2016 Saint-Aubin 1er Cru En Remilly, which was taken from tank and fined, has quite a powerful, well-defined, lemon zest and walnut-scented bouquet that just springs from the glass. The palate is well defined with hints of blackcurrant complementing the malic fruit, with a touch of spiciness coming through on the finish. Very fine—one of the best from Alex Moreau this year.HK$4,415.00 -
Indulge in the opulence of Bertagna Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2016, a masterful expression of Burgundian winemaking. This Grand Cru hails from the revered Corton-Charlemagne appellation of Côte de Beaune. The producer, Domaine Bertagna, is esteemed for skilfully marrying tradition with innovation, and this wine is a testament to their craft.
Harvested from 50-year old Chardonnay vines, this wine has undergone meticulous temperature-controlled vinification and spent 14 rich months ageing in oak. This expert process imbues it with an exquisite character that appeals to refined palates. With its pleasing golden hue, this vintage reveals an intoxicating bouquet of lemon zest, white flowers, and subtle hints of spice. The palate is graced with celestial minerality, pronounced citrus, and a buttery finish.
Widely recognized by connoisseurs globally, Bertagna Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2016 is a captivating encapsulation of terroir and skilled Burgundy winemaking. Experience an unforgettable wine journey as you savor every nuanced sip.
HK$7,155.00 -
Vinous (95)
(production was half of normal in 2016; aged in 30% new oak and bottled at the beginning of April of this year): Pale yellow-green. High-pitched aromas of citrus peel, menthol, lavender and white pepper. Extremely tight without coming across as austere, conveying striking purity to its bracing flavors of grapefruit pith, lemon and crushed stone. Adamant minerality gives this very dense wine terrific inner-mouth tension and yet there's an element of leavening sweetness here as well, not to mention compelling floral perfume throughout. This wonderfully smooth, rich yet weightless wine really dances on the palate, spreading out on the unflagging back end to saturate every square millimeter of the mouth. Cellarmaster Emmanuel Hautus compared this wine to the 2009 in its combination of richness, early appeal and potential longevity.HK$4,140.00 -
Vinous (95)
(production was half of normal in 2016; aged in 30% new oak and bottled at the beginning of April of this year): Pale yellow-green. High-pitched aromas of citrus peel, menthol, lavender and white pepper. Extremely tight without coming across as austere, conveying striking purity to its bracing flavors of grapefruit pith, lemon and crushed stone. Adamant minerality gives this very dense wine terrific inner-mouth tension and yet there's an element of leavening sweetness here as well, not to mention compelling floral perfume throughout. This wonderfully smooth, rich yet weightless wine really dances on the palate, spreading out on the unflagging back end to saturate every square millimeter of the mouth. Cellarmaster Emmanuel Hautus compared this wine to the 2009 in its combination of richness, early appeal and potential longevity.HK$19,345.00 -
Vinous (95+)
Knockout pure-but-reticent nose melds deep yellow fruits, oak char, baking spices and minerals (this always needs a lot more time than the Chevalier-Montrachet here, notes Frédéric Weber). Wonderfully silky and rich but light on its feet; a serious mouthful of lemon zest, crushed stone and spices with outstanding focus and supporting salty minerality. Really shines today for its inner-mouth tension and explosive palate-dusting finish. Bouchard's Montrachet production was off by more than 50% in 2016 (to around 23 hectoliters per hectare), but the Cabotte was less affected by frost, producing three barrels, vs. four in 2017. This wonderfully plush, fine-grained, concentrated wine is built for a long and eventful evolution in bottle.HK$8,690.00 -
Vinous (95+)
Knockout pure-but-reticent nose melds deep yellow fruits, oak char, baking spices and minerals (this always needs a lot more time than the Chevalier-Montrachet here, notes Frédéric Weber). Wonderfully silky and rich but light on its feet; a serious mouthful of lemon zest, crushed stone and spices with outstanding focus and supporting salty minerality. Really shines today for its inner-mouth tension and explosive palate-dusting finish. Bouchard's Montrachet production was off by more than 50% in 2016 (to around 23 hectoliters per hectare), but the Cabotte was less affected by frost, producing three barrels, vs. four in 2017. This wonderfully plush, fine-grained, concentrated wine is built for a long and eventful evolution in bottle.HK$28,920.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
The 2016 Meursault 1er Cru Genevrières is excellent, unfurling in the glass with notes of citrus oil, crisp Anjou pear, beeswax, wet stones and dried white flowers. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, deep and incisive, with an elegantly satiny attack, a tangy line of acidity and a tight-knit, concentrated core, concluding with a beautifully delineated finish. This is a racy, acid-driven Genevrières that will evolve beautifully in the cellar. Bouchard's holdings in Genevrières amount to some 15% of the appellation, so it's reassuring to see that they are in good hands.HK$3,510.00 -
Wine Advocate (88-90)
The 2016 Beaune 1er Cru Du Château Blanc inexplicably did not finish its malolactic until June or July. It has a tightly wound, slightly resinous bouquet. The palate is well balanced with fine tannin, crisp acidity, quite minerally in the mouth with a brisk, slightly oaky finish that lingers. What a lovely white Burgundy!HK$3,025.00 -
Expertly crafted, the Bruyere & Houillon Arbois Les Tourillons 2016 is a benchmark in organic viticulture. Hailing from the renowned Jura wine region in eastern France, each bottle exhibits a fusion of tradition and innovation mastered by its creators, Emmanuel Houillon and Anne-Claire Houillon. Following Rudolf Steiner's biodynamic approach, every vine is meticulously cultivated to produce fruits preserving their inherent character, body, and flavour.
This wine showcases the intensity of Savagnin and Chardonnay grape varieties, matured in old oak for 24 months, enhancing its complexity and mineral edge. Evident in every sip is its elegant bouquet with notes of crisp citrus and jasmine, complemented by a harmonious balance of acidity and ripeness. Truly, the Bruyere & Houillon Arbois Les Tourillons 2016 transcends beyond being a mere beverage - it's a testament to the land from which it was born and the passion of those who crafted it. A sublime addition to any connoisseur's collection.
HK$8,580.00 -
Unveiling one of Burgundy's exquisite creations, the Buisson Charles Meursault Les Tessons 2016, an outstanding testament to the appellation's esteemed reputation. Crafted meticulously in the rural, eastern French town of Meursault, this sublime vintage exhibits intensely noble traits characteristic of its terroir.
Under the expert stewardship of Eric and Armelle Buisson, a pedigreed lineage of vintners, the wine signifies a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Its evolution commences with manual harvesting, ensuring optimised maturity, which then proceeds to age subtly in oak barrels to invigorate its intrinsic flavours.
Upon indulgence, one senses the underlying notes of ripe yellow fruits, interwoven immaculately with subtle nuances of white flowers, minerals and richly toasted hazelnuts. Its remarkable complexity confirms the Buisson Charles Meursault Les Tessons 2016 as a tour de force; a captivating narrative of Meursault’s soil, climate, and vinicultural heritage.
HK$8,000.00 -
The fragrant symbolism of Burgundy eloquently assails the senses with the Caroline Morey Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets 2016, a sophisticated tipple paying homage to the idyllic Chassagne-Montrachet region in France. This consummate selection from an exceptional year within the vineyards demonstrates an intricately woven map of minerality and persistent acidity brought about by limestone-rich soils.
Wine producer Caroline Morey, renowned for her meticulous approach to viticulture, carefully cultivates the chardonnay grapes ensuring choicest quality. The wine rests in 350l barrels with 30% new oak for a period of 15 months, manifesting an eloquent balance of texture and complexity. Pale yellow, with floral hints and a distinctive citrus finale it offers layers of depth and character. Expect an invigorating journey of palate discovery with each sip of the Caroline Morey Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets 2016. A premier wine indeed.
HK$12,115.00 -
Discover the inimitable allure of Cauhape Jurancon Quintessence Petit Manseng 2016. This much sought after vintage hails from the acclaimed Jurancon region nestled in the heart of Southwest France. Exclusively produced by Dominique and Carole Zèmmer at the esteemed Domaine Cauhape, the wine is a reflection of their unwavering commitment to quality.
Masterfully crafted from 100% Petit Manseng grapes, the Quintessence Petit Manseng 2016 brilliantly encapsulates the unique terroir of Jurancon. Handpicked and carefully sorted, the grapes are then vinified and aged in oak barrels, contributing to its exceptional complexities. The wine's notable freshness elegantly intermingles with rich layers of tropical fruits and sweet spice aromas, achieving a harmonious balance.
This masterpiece is a testament to the art of winemaking at Domaine Cauhape. The Cauhape Jurancon Quintessence Petit Manseng 2016 is, in essence, a sublime example of prestigious French winemaking.
HK$4,665.00 -
Vinous (95)
Vivid gold. Powerful, mineral-tinged Meyer lemon, nectarine and pear nectar scents show excellent clarity and complicating honey, fennel and smoky lees accents. Vibrant and expansive in the mouth, offering deeply concentrated orchard and pit fruit flavors along with suggestions of buttered toast and honeydew melon that build on the back half. Shows impressive energy and finishes silky and extremely long, featuring lingering floral and honey nuances.HK$8,690.00 -
Wine Advocate (89)
Raised entirely in stainless steel, the 2016 Saint-Véran was showing very well, wafting from the glass with notes of lemon oil, honeysuckle and pastry cream. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, concentrated and powerful, with succulent underlying acidity, concluding with a stony, saline finish. Cropped at a mere 12 hectoliters per hectare, it nevertheless remains quite classical in profile—there's simply somewhat more flesh and concentration than usual.HK$1,880.00 -
Vinous (88)
Bright pale yellow; healthier than the village Chassagne-Montrachet. Aromas of apricot, hazelnut and nutty oak. Offers good texture and breadth, with more firming lemony acidity than the village Chassagne or the Bourgogne Blanc Le Clos du Château de Puligny-Montrachet (winemaker Brian Sieve described this wine as more representative of 2016). But still a bit tight--and not a floral style of Puligny. Finishes with good penetration and length, if slightly aggressive.HK$8,090.00 -
Vinous (94)
Serious complexity in this Chenin Blanc. Fresh golden apple at first, then pear, apricot jam and white pepper that carries throughout nicely. Gorgeous herbal notes on the midpalate, gliding to a long, salty, crushed stone finish.HK$7,930.00 -
Vinous (94)
Serious complexity in this Chenin Blanc. Fresh golden apple at first, then pear, apricot jam and white pepper that carries throughout nicely. Gorgeous herbal notes on the midpalate, gliding to a long, salty, crushed stone finish.HK$15,050.00 -
Burghound (96)
A background note of matchstick character is present on the ripe citrus, spiced green apple and airy white flower aromas. There is good if not massive size and weight to the rich, fleshy and mouth coating large-scaled flavors that evidence obvious power while brimming with minerality on the almost painfully intense and sneaky long finish where the only nit is a hint of warmth. As is often the case with the Coche Corton-Charlemagne, it is built for the very long-term and it wouldn't surprise me if 20 years was necessary to see this at its full maturity.HK$155,910.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
The 2016 Meursault 1er Cru Perrières is the most distinctive wine in the range, unfurling in the glass with notes of lemon oil, crushed chalk, tart green apple, dried white flowers and struck flint. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, elegantly satiny and searingly intense, with tangy acids, huge concentration and the pronouncedly mineral, stony signature that always seems to mark out this bottling. Along with Genevrières, Coche's parcel in Perrières was largely spared by the 2016 frosts. Given its utterly classic profile, a dozen years' patience is advised.HK$484,165.00 -
Wine Advocate (94+)
Offering up notes of lime oil, tart Anjou pear, peach kernels and sesame that are delicately framed by a judicious touch of new oak, the 2016 Meursault Les Rougeots is medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with more texture and a denser, more blocky profile than the other village wines in the cellar this year, displaying considerable extract and a long, stony finish. Raphaël Coche notes that no one in his family can remember a time when Rougeots was so badly frosted, adding that neighboring Chevalières was entirely wiped out.HK$18,505.00 -
HK$2,255.00 -
HK$2,160.00 -
HK$12,650.00 -
Crafted in the esteemed Burgundy region of France, the Comtesse de Cherisey Meursault 1er Cru Blagny La Genelotte 2016 is a masterful example of viticulture finesse. This radiant white wine embodies the time-honoured traditions of its monopole vineyard, nestled within Meursault's Blagny sub-region. With meticulous cultivation practices, Comtesse de Cherisey yields immaculate Chardonnay grapes that capture the region's terroir exquisitely.
Undergoing cautious vinification in French oak barrels, this enticing nectar lends itself to elegant complexity. Predominantly mineral, the palate unravels with tropical fruit and floral notes, sung alongside a harmonious, creamy length. The 2016 vintage, marked by its favourable growing conditions, delivers an exceptional balance of opulence and acidity.
The ensemble of traditional and avant-garde techniques undertaken by the revered Comtesse de Cherisey Meursault 1er Cru Blagny La Genelotte estate manages to create a truly distinctive tasting experience with the 2016 vintage. One that will captivate white Burgundy aficionados and discerning collectors alike.
HK$9,725.00 -
Exuding French elegance, Couhins Blanc 2016 is a compelling redefinition of excellence in viticulture. This White Bordeaux varietal is meticulously crafted in Pessac-Léognan, a lauded subregion of Graves. Couhins Blanc 2016 is from Château Couhins, a producer bestowed with Cru Classé status for its white wine. The exceptional terroir, with gravelly soil interspersed with clay, deftly infuses complex flavour profiles into the wine.
The vintage underwent meticulous vinification, with the savvy use of oak for ageing balancing the vivacious Sauvignon Blanc’s acidity, and eliciting a resinous, toasty charm. This bestows the Couhins Blanc 2016 with a multifaceted character, marrying ripe citrus fruits and acacia flower undertones, robed in creaminess from the judicious malolactic fermentation.
A stellar embodiment of the Château's commitment to traditional viticultural methods, every sip reaffirms the calibre of Couhins Blanc 2016, an absolute delight for the discerning palate. This is not just a wine, but a symphony of craftsmanship in a bottle.
HK$4,755.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
With coaxing, the pale lemon colored 2016 Coutet slowly unfurls to give a myriad of preserved lemons, pineapple pastry, almond croissant, fresh ginger and lime blossoms scents with nuances of chalk dust, white pepper, star anise and cedar. Rich, seductive and yet exquisitely balanced, the satiny-textured palate has layer upon layer of citrus and savory notions, finishing very long and spicy.HK$5,850.00 -
James Suckling (99)
A very classic Yquem. Breathtakingly wide spectrum of floral honey, exotic fruit (passion fruit, mango and pineapple), caramel and marzipan aromas. But none of this is a jot too much. In fact, the wine is extremely precise and finely nuanced. Wonderful freshness and textural complexity, in spite of the considerable concentration and extravagance. Very suave and sensual finish that goes on and on. Drink or hold.HK$19,370.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
Notes of citrus zest, white flowers and almond paste introduce the 2016 Pouilly-Fuissé Les Crays Vieilles Vignes, a medium to full-bodied, elegantly textural wine with lovely tension and vertical line, along with all the depth and concentration that Barraud's wines so routinely attain. It isn't as rich and full-bodied as La Verchère, but it's finer-boned and more precise.HK$2,775.00
