2023 Elodie Roy Hautes-Cotes de Beaune Blanc, Burgundy

Tucked away in the higher reaches above the Côte de Beaune, the Hautes Côtes has quietly become one of Burgundy’s most exciting sources of fresh, mineral Chardonnay, and Elodie Roy is right at the heart of that shift. Working with vineyards that sit at altitude, where cooler nights preserve acidity and slow ripening builds finesse, she crafts wines that lean into purity rather than weight. It is a more contemporary take on Burgundy, but one that still feels deeply rooted in place.

There is an immediate brightness here, lemon zest, green apple and a hint of pear, with a gentle lift of white flowers. Beneath that sits a fine mineral thread, more chalk than cream, giving the wine its backbone. Oak is used with a light touch, adding just a whisper of almond and spice without softening the edges too much.

The palate is lively and precise, driven by crisp acidity that carries citrus and orchard fruit flavours through to a clean, refreshing finish. There is a subtle savoury note too, a touch of flint and crushed stone that adds interest and keeps it firmly in classic Burgundy territory. It feels energetic, the kind of white that keeps its shape from start to finish.

This is made for lighter, detail driven dishes. Think grilled whiting with lemon and capers, sushi or sashimi, or a simple roast chicken with herbs where the wine can cut through and lift the flavours. It also works beautifully with goat’s cheese or a fresh summer salad with citrus dressing.

Drink it young to capture that vibrancy, though a few years in bottle will bring a little more roundness and a gentle nutty complexity without losing its freshness.