LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE

Made by the Couillaud Family a few minutes from the Atlantic near the mouth of the Loire River. The Couillauds age most of this wine on its lees until bottling to add weight and texture. Saveur Magazine wrote about a previous vintage: “This value-priced chardonnay tastes crisp and bright. It comes from the western Loire Valley, an unexpected place for this Burgundy grape variety, and is made in a fresh, unoaked style, nothing like the famed (and costly) Burgundy crus. Though unconventional, it’s delicious, with fruit flavors that echo pears and apples, and an enticing hint of minerality beneath the surface.”

Food Pairings: Because it’s unoaked, lighter fish, salads and grilled vegetables work well.