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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Presenting the Arnaud Baillot Chassagne-Montrachet Blanc 2020, an elegant masterpiece amongst fine wines. Arnaud Baillot, known for preserving traditional Burgundian winemaking methods, has once again proven their prowess in the realm of Chardonnay-rich wines. Capturing the essence of the Chassagne-Montrachet region, this 2020 vintage delivers an impeccable balance of robust acidity and luscious fruit aromatics. The meticulous process of hand-harvesting before a careful pressing preserves the purity of its traditional grape profile, leading to a complex flavour filled with hints of apple and honey undertones. The wine is then matured in French oak barrels, contributing to its sophisticated traits and signature creamy texture. Much like its predecessors, the Arnaud Baillot Chassagne-Montrachet Blanc 2020 manages to encapsulate the rich heritage of its legendary vineyard, promising a delightful experiential journey to each sip. Indulge your senses with this smooth, noteworthy expression of French viticulture that stands as a beacon of quality and finesse.
HK$4,460.00 -
Immerse your senses in the splendid Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Aligote 2013, a gem from the feted soils of Burgundy. Crafted by meticulous vintner, Arnaud Ente, respected globally for his dedication to terroir-expressive wines. This Aligoté uses grapes meticulously handpicked from vineyards with diverse soil types. Their vinification in old oak barrels bestows a rich, textured palate laced with melon, citrus and floral undertones.
The wine's notable minerality reflects its birthplace, offering a captivating tension between freshness and depth. Arnaud Ente's precise viticulture and traditional vinification practices ensure this Bourgogne Aligoté's potential for graceful ageing, unfolding layers of complexity with every year. Subtle oak integration results in a wine that's beautifully balanced, with the vivacious acidity of Aligoté grape extraordinarily intact.
Indulge in Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Aligote 2013 – a remarkable testimonial for Aligoté's potential to yield extraordinary wines when nurtured with passion and respect. It's less a wine, more an experience.
HK$8,555.00 -
Wine Advocate (89+)
Arnaud Ente's 2015 Bourgogne Aligoté offers up aromas of crisp yellow orchard fruit, blanched almond and honeysuckle—the prelude to a medium-bodied, bright and vibrant wine, with succulent acids, lovely extract and almost crystalline purity. This bottling hails from old vines planted in the commune of Meursault and is routinely one of the finest examples of this variety to be found in all the Côte d'Or. Indeed, while Aligoté is seldom cellared, this will really blossom with a few years' sleep: the 2008, for example, is at the peak of its powers today.HK$7,090.00 -
Vinous (88)
This was followed by the 2016 Bourgogne Aligoté from Domaine Arnaud Ente. “Best wine in the range?” I half-jested, in praise of Ente’s Aligoté rather than disparaging his Chardonnays. Pale silvery in hue, it offers attractive scents of white flowers and apricot blossom, linden and hints of lemon verbena. The palate is well balanced, although I would have liked a little more tension toward the stem-ginger-tinged finish, which I felt was a little “woolly.”HK$7,410.00 -
Introducing the 'Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Blanc 2014', a vision of authentic craftsmanship, from one of the most respected vintners in Burgundy, Arnaud Ente. This elegantly balanced Chardonnay was vinified with indigenous yeast and matured meticulously in oak barrels for 12 months before a further 6 in stainless steel, creating an intricate, textural experience.
Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Blanc 2014 hails from Burgundy, a region revered for its limestone-rich soils and cool climate, both pivotal in imbuing Ente's wines with matchless acidity and mineral depth. Remarkably, this wine is an embodiment of the meticulous viticulture and hands-on vinification at the estate.
Its shimmering gold hue is a prelude to an aromatic symphony of orchard fruits, honey and toasted nuts, flawlessly balanced on the palate with a lasting finish. Acquiring a bottle of Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Blanc 2014 is an investment in a true artisanal expression of one of Burgundy's greatest terroirs.
HK$6,880.00 -
Wine Advocate (87)
The 2015 Bourgogne Blanc from Arnaud Ente is initially quite reduced, so decanting is advised if you're drinking this young, but with time in the glass a pretty bouquet of apple, pear and iodine begins to take shape. On the palate, the wine is medium-full, sappy and succulent, with more richness and texture than the Aligoté but without its intensity and purity. This would score higher if it weren't for the overt reduction. Ente's constantly delicious Bourgogne Blanc comes from young vines (a portion in the commune of Puligny, planted in 2002, and the rest in the commune of Meursault, planted in 2012), but while it commands a premium over his Aligoté, I tend to prefer the latter.HK$7,090.00 -
Immerse in the world of fine wine with the illustrious Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Blanc 2016. Imbued with sublime elegance and precision, this first-rate French wine hails from the esteemed vineyards of Arnaud Ente, one of Burgundy's monumental wine producers. Fermented in oak barrels and aged for an impactful 18 months, the production process is meticulous, reverenting the esteemed old-world wine-making traditions.
The Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Blanc 2016 is characterised by a strikingly fresh bouquet, underlined by citrus notes and an alluring minerality. You'll discover an exquisite palate balance, persisting through to a tantalising, lingering finish. Arnaud Ente's mastery is unmistakable – showcasing his infamous attention to detail in viticulture and vinification to create a wine capturing the quintessence of the Burgundy terroir.
Celebrate a pivotal moment, impress a distinguished guest, or simply enjoy an evening of sophistication with the lauded Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Blanc 2016.
HK$6,715.00 -
Immerse in the world of fine wine with the illustrious Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Blanc 2016. Imbued with sublime elegance and precision, this first-rate French wine hails from the esteemed vineyards of Arnaud Ente, one of Burgundy's monumental wine producers. Fermented in oak barrels and aged for an impactful 18 months, the production process is meticulous, reverenting the esteemed old-world wine-making traditions.
The Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Blanc 2016 is characterised by a strikingly fresh bouquet, underlined by citrus notes and an alluring minerality. You'll discover an exquisite palate balance, persisting through to a tantalising, lingering finish. Arnaud Ente's mastery is unmistakable – showcasing his infamous attention to detail in viticulture and vinification to create a wine capturing the quintessence of the Burgundy terroir.
Celebrate a pivotal moment, impress a distinguished guest, or simply enjoy an evening of sophistication with the lauded Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Blanc 2016.
HK$13,630.00 -
Discover the Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Blanc 2018, an exceptional vintage from one of Burgundy's most distinguished vignerons. This stunning white wine was carefully crafted in Arnaud's biodynamic vineyards, located in the heart of the Meursault region. Its flawless profile exudes the finesse and meticulous craftsmanship for which the Ente family is renowned.
The grapes are harvested by hands to maintain their quality, before undergoing a gentle pressing and fermentation in barrel. The Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Blanc 2018 possesses a sophisticated and palatable balance, with the refreshing tang of citrus fruits complementing hints of brioche and toasted almonds. Its lingering, mineral-driven finish completes the memorable tasting experience.
Arnaud Ente's unyielding dedication to producing France's finest Chardonnay is in full display here. Savour this quintessential expression of a classic Burgundian Blanc, demonstrating the unique terroir of Arnaud Ente's vineyards. The Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Blanc 2018 is truly exceptional, a tribute to the mastery of its revered producer.
HK$7,210.00 -
Indulge in the exquisite experience that is the Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Blanc 2019. Born in the prestigious vineyards of Burgundy, France, this white wine is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship of Arnaud Ente. Ente, a revered artisan in the world of viticulture, has adroitly fashioned a vintage that captures the quintessence of the region's terroir. The Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Blanc 2019 is distinguished by its refined balance of structure and complexity. Grown on limestone-rich soils, the meticulously hand-harvested Chardonnay grapes provide a mineral-rich backbone that supports delightful layers of ripe apple and pear. Its bouquet is enhanced by subtle notes of vanilla, derived from carefully controlled fermentation in seasoned French oak barrels. With its lingering, cultured finish, a glass of the Arnaud Ente Bourgogne Blanc 2019 promises a captivating journey for the discerning palate. Experience this unmissable jewel of Bourgogne's winemaking legacy as part of your fine wine collection.
HK$16,645.00 -
Vinous (90+)
Superripe aromas of dried fruits complicated by white flowers and a peppery nuance. Then distinctly less fleshy and generous in the middle palate than the Petits Charrons, with the peppery quality carrying through in the mouth. Markedly different in texture and style, and in need of patience.HK$27,530.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90-93)
Cooler yellow peach and lemon aromas are lifted by a floral topnote. Suave on entry, then elegant and pliant in the middle, with a dominant flavor of crystallized lemon peel. Very firmly built wine, finishing with lovely lingering stony perfume.HK$14,910.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
Tasted blind, this was an exceptional showing for Ente's 2015 Meursault 1er Cru La Goutte d'Or, a beautiful wine that offers up a youthfully reserved bouquet of iodine, citrus oil and white flowers. On the palate, this Goutte d'Or is full-bodied, ample and layered, with terrific cut, concentration and length, its tension and vivacity lending it considerable drama despite its reticence in other respects.HK$23,605.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
The 2018 Meursault 1er Cru Les Gouttes d'Or mingles aromas of pear and Meyer lemon with hints of toasted almond, white flowers and fresh bread. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and precise, with lovely depth and mid-palate amplitude, its elegantly fleshy core of fruit is girdled by racy acids.HK$83,120.00 -
Vinous (89)
Subdued, pure aromas of citrus fruits and flowers. Supple, round and pure, with sweet stone fruit flavors that avoid coming off as exotic. Full, concentrated village wine with moderate complexity and good grip. (I found the 2006 Bourgogne Blanc to be pure but almost exotically ripe for a wine from Ente; the atypical sweetness of the 2006 vintage appears to have favored his Aligote.)HK$7,580.00 -
Vinous (90)
Pale green-yellow. Nectarine and nut oil aromas lifted by a floral topnote. Fat and sweet but fresh, with white peach, citrus and orchard fruit flavors lifted by a spicy component. A real essence of Meursault, finishing with very good length and a slight warmth. (As in most successful years, Ente's Aligote and Bourgogne Blanc are well worth seeking out; the Bourgogne in particular boasts a lovely balance of ripe apricot fruit and strong acidity for the vintage.)HK$18,090.00 -
Vinous (91)
Pale yellow. Bracing aromas of lemon, lime peel, tangerine and crushed stone. At once pliant and juicy, with a fine-grained, round texture to its fresh stone fruit and citrus flavors. Not about power but tasty and stylish. A lovely, persistent village wine. (Snap up Ente's Aligote or Bourgogne Blanc if you can find them. The former wine is remarkably rich for the variety, showing a sexy toasty quality, while the latter boasts terriific citrus cut and a lot of personality for its appellation. Both fully capitalize on what Ente describes as a classic vintage for him in terms of ripeness, acidity and pH.)HK$29,545.00 -
Vinous (90)
Pale yellow. Musky yellow fruits and gingery spices on the nose. Ripe and silky, with harmonious acidity framing the sweet peach and nutmeg flavors. A rich village wine, particularly in the context of this cellar, but I like its cut and balance. Underlying lemon and crushed stone flavors give the finish a slight youthful aggressiveness that calls for a year or two of patience. The crop level was 22 hectoliters per hectare in these parcels. Incidentally, Ente describes 2012 as a good year but a bit too rich and thick; he compared it to 2007 and 2008 in quality, adding that the '08s also had too much thickness. (But take advantage of Ente's atypically rich and concentrated 2012 Bourgogne Blanc if you spot a bottle, as this wine, made from parcels in Meursault and Puligny, will be easier to drink at the outset. I rated it 88 points.)HK$20,500.00 -
Vinous (92)
The 2013 Meursault Village shows just a small reduction on the nose with light grapefruit, beeswax and pressed white flower scents emerging with time. I admire the delineation here. There is a superb line of acidity that runs straight through this Meursault, spicier than I anticipated yet still youthful with veins of lime on the aftertaste. Superb. Tasted at Chapon Rouge in Dijon.HK$6,565.00 -
Vinous (88-90)
Pale yellow. White pepper, menthol and fresh herbs on the lively nose. Nicely balanced if on the lean side, showing lovely cut and definition to its brisk flavors of lemon oil, orange zest and spices. Firm but not hard. (Ente's Bourgogne Aligoté offers an aromatic nose of orange oil and flowers and a chewy, sappy palate impression, with a surprisingly fleshy old-vines richness to buffer its impression of tautness. It will be worth seeking out. And his Bourgogne Chardonnay, made in a more opulent, even slightly exotic style, is sweet and fine-grained for its appellation, with yellow peach, tangerine and floral flavors leading to a rich, spicy but firm finish. I rated this wine 87-88.)HK$13,900.00 -
Hailed from one of Burgundy's most sought-after vignerons, the Arnaud Ente Meursault 2016 is a fine representation of artisanal craftsmanship in winemaking. This exquisite vintage is meticulously crafted by Arnaud Ente, famed for his obsession with detail and passionate adherence to the principles of biodynamic viticulture.
Born of Chardonnay grapes from idyllic vineyards in Meursault, the meticulous care in hand-harvesting and sorting reflects in its distinct character. Slow fermentation using natural yeasts followed by maturing in oak barrels for up to two years gifts it a multidimensional taste.
The Arnaud Ente Meursault 2016 offers a remarkable balance of rich, mineral complexity and refreshing acidity. Its nose is beautifully expressive, carrying alluring hints of orchard fruits, honey, and buttered toast. On the palate, it unfolds layers of apple, pear, and citrus zest underpinned by nutty, creamy undertones. Its sumptuously long finish makes it a coveted addition to any sophisticated collection.
HK$12,865.00 -
The Arnaud Ente Meursault 2017 exudes graceful sophistication. Crafted in the renowned vineyards of Burgundy, France, this vintage was meticulously tended to by expert winemaker, Arnaud Ente, a virtuoso known for artisanal winemaking. Respecting tradition and ensuring attention to detail, this Chardonnay grape is handled with exceptional care from vine to bottle. It has an exquisite balance between acidity and richness, resulting in an opulent white wine with complex aromas of fresh green apples, citrus, and subtle touches of oak.
Every stage of production: viticulture, fermentation, and maturation in oak barrels, is executed with a philosophy of respect for nature and terroir. Unlike most wines from Meursault, Arnaud Ente's 2017 vintage has a remarkable longevity due to its structured, focused character. The Arnaud Ente Meursault 2017 is not just a wine, but an experience of flavours expressing the quintessence of its Burgundy roots and the distilled expertise of Ente's proficient vintner skills.
HK$17,870.00 -
The Arnaud Ente Meursault 2017 exudes graceful sophistication. Crafted in the renowned vineyards of Burgundy, France, this vintage was meticulously tended to by expert winemaker, Arnaud Ente, a virtuoso known for artisanal winemaking. Respecting tradition and ensuring attention to detail, this Chardonnay grape is handled with exceptional care from vine to bottle. It has an exquisite balance between acidity and richness, resulting in an opulent white wine with complex aromas of fresh green apples, citrus, and subtle touches of oak.
Every stage of production: viticulture, fermentation, and maturation in oak barrels, is executed with a philosophy of respect for nature and terroir. Unlike most wines from Meursault, Arnaud Ente's 2017 vintage has a remarkable longevity due to its structured, focused character. The Arnaud Ente Meursault 2017 is not just a wine, but an experience of flavours expressing the quintessence of its Burgundy roots and the distilled expertise of Ente's proficient vintner skills.
HK$28,985.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (90-93)
Pale clear colour. A gentle fresh apple nose, this has notable tension on the palate, not a rich, ripe rounded Meursault – but that is not the intention anyway. The attack suggests that this is only just ripe, but the finish indicates that it was picked at a very good moment, otherwise you wouldn’t have this length of flavour. Fine tension to finish.HK$12,705.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (90-93)
Pale clear colour. A gentle fresh apple nose, this has notable tension on the palate, not a rich, ripe rounded Meursault – but that is not the intention anyway. The attack suggests that this is only just ripe, but the finish indicates that it was picked at a very good moment, otherwise you wouldn’t have this length of flavour. Fine tension to finish.HK$7,700.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (90-93)
Pale clear colour. A gentle fresh apple nose, this has notable tension on the palate, not a rich, ripe rounded Meursault – but that is not the intention anyway. The attack suggests that this is only just ripe, but the finish indicates that it was picked at a very good moment, otherwise you wouldn’t have this length of flavour. Fine tension to finish.HK$29,055.00 -
Emerging from the esteemed cellars of one of Burgundy's most revered vignerons, the Arnaud Ente Meursault 2019 exemplifies French craftsmanship at its finest. With meticulous care, Arnaud Ente cultivated Chardonnay from his low-yielding, old vines located in the premium Meursault commune. Such a cherished terroir, framed by chalky soils and a temperate climate, ensures this 2019 vintage's impeccable balance and profound complexity.
Harvested manually and vinified with a judicious use of new oak, Arnaud Ente Meursault 2019 triumphs as a true reflection of its terroir. It unveils an intense bouquet of ripe orchard fruit, honey, white flowers, and delicate minerality, seducing both the nose and palate. Boasting a full-bodied richness enveloped by bright acidity, this wine finishes with a persistent length on the palate. Assured to evolve beautifully with careful cellaring, Arnaud Ente Meursault 2019 remains a choice acquisition for the discerning oenophile.
HK$29,055.00 -
Vinous (91+)
Pale yellow. Fresh nectarine and peach aromas sexed up by hazelnut. Dry but stuffed with ripe peach and citrus flavors. Classically styled Meursault, with a dry, brisk finish. Drink the basic village wine now and give this a few years in the cellar.HK$7,360.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
Ente’s 2010 Meursault Le Clos des Ambres is impeccable. It is also quite closed in on itself. Today, it is the minerality that dominates, but there is no denying the wine’s pedigree and sheer class. With air, the aromas and flavors become vivid, nuanced and breathtakingly beautiful. The airy, ethereal finish is the stuff dreams are made of. This is simply drop-dead gorgeous. Anticipated maturity: 2012+.HK$17,630.00 -
Vinous (90)
Pale straw-yellow. Much less expressive on the nose than the basic village wine, hinting at hazelnut and lees. Then fat and rich in the mouth, offering very good floral lift to the flavors of tangerine and spices. Perhaps a bit youthfully aggressive in the mid-palate today, but the finish is suave and long, with nicely delineated lemon and pineapple flavors.HK$16,035.00
