Mischief And Mayhem Bourgogne Chardonnay

Mischief And Mayhem Bourgogne Chardonnay is a 750ml Bourgogne Blanc from Burgundy, France, bottled at approximately 13% ABV and made from 100% Chardonnay sourced from old vines. Multiple vintages have scored 90/100 from critics, underscoring the consistency and quality this small-production négociant achieves at the regional Bourgogne level.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~13%  |  Origin: Burgundy, France  |  Bourgogne Blanc  |  Producer: Mischief & Mayhem

Production & Heritage

Mischief & Mayhem was founded in 2003 by Michael and Fiona Ragg, who established their operation in the village of Aloxe-Corton in Burgundy's Côte de Beaune. The Bourgogne Chardonnay draws from old vines averaging 40 years of age, with fruit parcels in the Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault sectors contributing roughly 20% of the final blend. That portion receives élevage with 15% new oak barrels, while the remaining 80% is raised in stainless steel tanks — a deliberate approach that preserves varietal purity and bright acidity while layering in just enough textural complexity to distinguish it from simpler regional whites.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe yellow apple and creamy oatmeal before moving into more focused citrus — lime zest and lemon peel — alongside subtle hints of almond and smoky pineapple. A thread of flinty minerality sits beneath the fruit.

Taste: On entry, green apple and quince lead with bright, tension-giving acidity. The mid-palate broadens with mellow pear fruit, a dusting of baking spice, and a suggestion of moist lemon cake. Weight and concentration build without heaviness, and the interplay between stainless-steel freshness and restrained oak gives the wine a savory, moreish quality.

Finish: Lively and vibrant, with lingering green apple acidity and stony minerality that keeps the palate clean. The finish is long and pure, trailing off with delicate vanilla and white currant notes.

How to Drink Mischief & Mayhem Bourgogne

Serve chilled to around 10–12°C (50–54°F) to let the fruit and mineral character express fully; a brief rest in the glass after pouring rewards with additional aromatic complexity. This Bourgogne Blanc also works well in wine-based drinks: a White Burgundy Spritz (topped with a splash of sparkling water and a lemon twist) highlights its citrus freshness; a classic Kir with a small measure of crème de cassis complements the apple and pear fruit; and a French 75 variation using this Chardonnay in place of Champagne brings a richer, more textured dimension to the cocktail.

Best For

• Introducing a Burgundy newcomer to the region's Chardonnay style without a premier cru price tag
• Pairing at an intimate dinner with roast poultry or seafood
• Gifting a wine enthusiast who appreciates small-production French whites
• Serving as a standout by-the-glass option at a dinner party

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Mischief & Mayhem Bourgogne Chardonnay taste like? It presents bright green apple and citrus fruit up front, followed by creamy mid-palate weight with hints of baking spice and lemon cake, finishing with stony minerality and lively acidity.

How does Mischief & Mayhem Bourgogne compare to Mâcon-Villages Chardonnay? Both are entry-level Burgundy whites, but the Mischief & Mayhem typically shows more pronounced minerality and structural tension from its Côte de Beaune parcels, whereas Mâconnais Chardonnays tend toward rounder, more overtly fruity profiles at a similar price point.

Is Mischief & Mayhem Bourgogne good for sipping on its own? Yes — the balance of fresh acidity, subtle oak texture, and pure fruit makes it an engaging glass to drink without food, especially when served properly chilled.

Where is Mischief & Mayhem Bourgogne made? It is produced by Mischief & Mayhem, a négociant house based in Aloxe-Corton in the Côte de Beaune subregion of Burgundy, France, drawing Chardonnay from parcels that include sites near Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault.

What foods pair well with Mischief & Mayhem Bourgogne? Roast chicken with herbs benefits from the wine's acidity and subtle oak; grilled Dover sole or pan-seared scallops mirror its clean mineral character; a charcuterie board with aged Comté cheese echoes the nutty, creamy notes; and a simple salad of endive, walnut, and pear complements its fruit and textural weight.

What sizes does Mischief & Mayhem Bourgogne come in? The standard bottling is a 750ml format.

Is Mischief & Mayhem Bourgogne worth the price? It positions as a value-driven Bourgogne Blanc that consistently punches above its regional appellation thanks to old-vine fruit and parcels near prestigious villages, making it a strong choice for drinkers seeking genuine Burgundy character without stepping up to village-level pricing.

Why Mischief & Mayhem Bourgogne?

What separates this Bourgogne Blanc from the crowd is the sourcing: old vines averaging 40 years of age and parcels near Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault give it a depth and minerality uncommon at the regional level. The restrained winemaking — just 15% new oak on a fraction of the blend, with stainless steel preserving the rest — lets that vineyard character come through without mask. Multiple vintages have hit 90/100 from critics, a notable achievement for a Bourgogne appellation wine. For anyone looking to explore Burgundy Chardonnay with genuine terroir expression at an accessible tier, this bottling consistently delivers.