Laboure Roi Chardonnay

Labouré-Roi Chardonnay is a Bourgogne Blanc from Burgundy, France, made from 100% Chardonnay and bottled at 12.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. A silver medal winner at the 2022 Chardonnay du Monde competition, this wine draws its character from a deliberate blend of grapes sourced across multiple Burgundy sub-regions — a signature practice of this well-established négociant house.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12.5%  |  Origin: Burgundy, France  |  Bourgogne Blanc (Appellation)  |  Producer: Labouré-Roi

Production & Heritage

Labouré-Roi is a Burgundy négociant house based in Nuits-Saint-Georges, one of the region's historic wine centers. The house selects Chardonnay from vineyards spanning the Côte d'Or, Côte Chalonnaise, and Mâconnais, blending them to capture the freshness and minerality of northern Burgundy alongside the fullness and roundness of the southern appellations. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats at 16–18°C with selected yeasts. The finished wine ages on its lees for six to eight months — roughly 80% in stainless steel and 20% in oak barrels — giving it a subtle creaminess without overwhelming the fruit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with green apple and white grapefruit, moving into white lilies and a faint flinty minerality. A delicate citrus freshness holds everything together.

Taste: The entry is bright with lemon and lime acidity, followed by a mid-palate of ripe apple and softer melon flavors. Pineapple and lemongrass notes emerge alongside a honeysuckle sweetness, while the oak-aged portion contributes a gentle touch of vanilla and spice without dominating the fruit.

Finish: Medium in length with a crisp, clean exit. Lingering hints of fresh pear and a subtle creaminess from the lees aging round out the final impression.

How to Drink Labouré-Roi Chardonnay

Serve chilled between 10–12°C to highlight the citrus and mineral notes. This Chardonnay works well on its own as an aperitif or alongside food. A classic French 75 substitutes wine for champagne when you want a lighter, fruit-forward variation. A White Wine Spritzer with soda and a lemon twist plays to this wine's natural acidity and refreshing profile. For something more adventurous, try it in a Kir — the traditional Burgundian cocktail — with a splash of crème de cassis, which complements the wine's apple and citrus backbone.

Best For

• Introducing someone to white Burgundy without a steep price of entry
• Weeknight dinners featuring roasted chicken, pasta, or light fish dishes
• Casual outdoor gatherings where a crisp, food-friendly white is essential
• Building a Burgundy tasting flight alongside village- and premier-cru-level Chardonnays

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Labouré-Roi Chardonnay taste like? It is a fresh, fruit-driven white wine dominated by citrus, green apple, and melon flavors, with a subtle creaminess and light spice from partial oak aging on the lees.

How does Labouré-Roi Chardonnay compare to Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay? Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve leans richer, with more prominent tropical fruit and vanilla from heavier oak influence and California's warmer climate. Labouré-Roi tilts toward mineral-driven freshness and bright acidity typical of Burgundy, with a lighter oak touch from its 20% barrel-aged component.

Is Labouré-Roi Chardonnay good for beginners? Yes — its approachable fruit character, moderate alcohol at 12.5% ABV, and gentle oak influence make it an accessible introduction to the Chardonnay-based wines of Burgundy without the complexity or cost of single-vineyard bottlings.

Where is Labouré-Roi Chardonnay made? It is produced by Labouré-Roi, a négociant house based in Nuits-Saint-Georges in the Côte de Nuits sub-region of Burgundy, France. The grapes are sourced from multiple Burgundy appellations including the Côte d'Or, Côte Chalonnaise, and Mâconnais.

What foods pair well with Labouré-Roi Chardonnay? Roasted or grilled chicken benefits from the wine's balanced acidity. Goat cheese or Comté complement its minerality and subtle creaminess. Pan-seared white fish such as sole or halibut matches the wine's weight. Light cream-based pastas work with the soft oak and lees-derived texture. A simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette echoes the wine's lemon and grapefruit notes.

What sizes does Labouré-Roi Chardonnay come in? The standard bottling is available in a 750ml format, which is the most widely distributed size.

Is Labouré-Roi Chardonnay worth the price? This wine positions as an entry-level Bourgogne Blanc, sitting well below village-level Burgundy whites in price while delivering genuine regional character. For drinkers exploring Burgundy Chardonnay, it represents strong value within its tier, particularly given the multi-sub-region blending and partial oak aging.

Why Labouré-Roi Chardonnay?

What distinguishes this wine from many Bourgogne Blancs is the deliberate blending strategy across multiple Burgundy sub-regions — northern sites contribute minerality and nerve, while Mâconnais and Côte Chalonnaise fruit adds body and roundness. The 2022 vintage earned a Silver medal at Chardonnay du Monde, and earlier vintages such as 2008 took Gold at the Concours des Grands Vins de France in Mâcon. Various vintages have scored between 84 and 87 points in Wine Enthusiast, confirming its consistency across releases. For anyone seeking authentic Burgundy Chardonnay character — crisp acidity, orchard fruit, and a touch of lees-driven complexity — this bottling delivers without demanding a premium-tier investment.