Grab this crisp Burgundy chardonnay before prices go up

France’s top two wine regions — Burgundy and Bordeaux — enjoy a unique blue-chip status in the minds of wine drinkers everywhere. While the finest wines of these regions have long been out of reach to the average wine drinker, their most affordable wine tiers have remained surprisingly accessible to those aiming to spend less than $20 per bottle. Sadly, those days are likely numbered, at least for Burgundy, so now is the time to enjoy delightful Bourgogne wines like this one.

Burgundy is the birthplace of both chardonnay and pinot noir, and is considerably smaller in area compared to Bordeaux. The globalization of the wine trade and the region’s fixed boundaries have created a supply and demand pinch that had been driving steep price increases on top village level and cru-ranked Burgundy wines for decades, independent of current inflation and supply chain effects. Europe’s cool-climate regions like Burgundy are also experiencing dramatic environmental pressures, such as the catastrophic 2021 vintage where a full third of France’s total wine production was destroyed by a heavy April frost. As a result, all economic factors suggest that Burgundy soon will be experiencing pricing increases — even at the entry level — that may place beautiful little wines like this one out of reach for many.

This bone-dry, classically styled French chardonnay bears little resemblance to the heavier, oakier style favored in California, and will appeal more to fans of pinot grigio, albariño, or sauvignon blanc. It is as refreshing as biting into a crisp, cold apple on a hot day, with faint undercurrents of pine nut or fresh baguette. However, what elevates this wine above most unoaked styles is its quality, craftsmanship, and refinement.

$16.99; 13.5% alcohol

PLCB Item #6406

Sale price through March 27 — regularly $18.99

Also available at these New Jersey stores:

Gloucester City Bottlestop in Gloucester City, $13.09, bottlestopnj.com; Joe Canal’s in Marlton, $14.99, marltonjoecanals.com; Canal’s Bottlestop in Marlton, $15.09; canalswine.com.