Novellum Chardonnay

Novellum Chardonnay is a 100% Chardonnay white wine from Roussillon, France, bottled at 13–14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Scored 94 points by Jeb Dunnuck for the 2020 vintage, this expression from Domaine Lafage stands apart thanks to a distinctive winemaking technique: aging a majority of the wine in tank on the lees of Viognier, lending uncommon texture and aromatic complexity without heavy oak influence.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13–14.5% (varies by vintage)  |  Origin: Roussillon, France (Vin de France)  |  100% Chardonnay  |  Producer: Domaine Lafage

Production & Heritage

Domaine Lafage is the estate of Jean-Marc and Eliane Lafage, situated in Roussillon in France's deep south, near the Spanish border. The couple farm vineyards across several terroirs in the region and are known for delivering overperforming wines relative to price. For this Chardonnay, less than 30% of the juice sees neutral French oak barrels, while the remaining 70%-plus is aged in tank on the lees of Viognier — a technique that adds weight, roundness, and subtle floral nuance without imparting toasty barrel flavors. The result is a wine that has drawn comparisons from multiple critics to far more expensive California Chardonnays.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe orchard fruit — nearly over-ripe apple and musk melon, as noted by Wine Advocate — followed by layers of honeyed almonds, candle wax, and toasted bread identified by Jeb Dunnuck. There is a subtle floral lift underneath, likely inherited from the Viognier lees contact.

Taste: On entry, sliced green apple and melon flavors are immediate and bright. The mid-palate gains weight and richness, with caramelized lemon and ripe stone fruit taking hold. James Suckling described green apple, melon, and lemon zest across the palate, while Wine Spectator found orchard fruit and green plum flanked by crushed stone and smoky mineral accents.

Finish: The finish carries moderate length with a mineral edge and faint sandalwood undertone. A thread of lemon zest lingers, keeping the close fresh rather than heavy.

How to Drink Novellum Chardonnay

Serve lightly chilled, around 50–55°F, to let the aromatic complexity fully open up. A slight chill preserves the wine's freshness while allowing the textural richness from lees aging to shine. It also works well in these cocktails and preparations:

• White Wine Spritzer: The wine's natural fruit concentration and mineral backbone hold up well when lengthened with sparkling water and a citrus twist.
• French 75 (wine variation): Substitute still Chardonnay for champagne and the honeyed almond and lemon qualities add a richer, more aromatic dimension.
• Sangria Blanca: The ripe melon and orchard fruit notes integrate beautifully with sliced peaches, pears, and a splash of brandy.

Best For

• Introducing a Burgundy-loving friend to Roussillon Chardonnay at an accessible price
• Weeknight dinners that call for a serious white wine without the serious price tag
• Summer entertaining where crowd-pleasing appeal and quality need to coexist
• Building a case of high-scoring, value-driven French whites

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Novellum Chardonnay taste like? Novellum Chardonnay leads with ripe orchard fruit, green apple, and melon, followed by honeyed almond, caramelized lemon, and a smoky mineral finish. The Viognier lees aging adds a distinctive roundness and subtle floral character not typical of most Chardonnays at this level.

How does Novellum Chardonnay compare to Mark Aubert Chardonnay? Multiple critics have drawn comparisons between the two, which is notable given the significant price gap — Aubert Chardonnays from Sonoma County typically cost many times more. Novellum delivers a similar richness and textural depth through its Viognier lees technique rather than extensive new oak, offering comparable complexity at a fraction of the cost.

Is Novellum Chardonnay good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — its layered aromatics, balanced acidity, and lees-driven weight make it satisfying as a standalone glass. Serve it lightly chilled for the best expression of its fruit and mineral character.

Where is Novellum Chardonnay made? Novellum Chardonnay is produced by Domaine Lafage, the estate of Jean-Marc and Eliane Lafage, located in the Roussillon region of southern France near the Mediterranean coast and the Spanish border. It is bottled under the Vin de France appellation.

What foods pair well with Novellum Chardonnay? Roasted chicken with herbs complements the wine's orchard fruit and lees-driven richness. Grilled shrimp or lobster works with its mineral backbone. Soft-ripened cheeses like Brie or Camembert echo the creamy texture. Risotto with spring vegetables aligns with its weight and freshness. Pan-seared halibut with a lemon butter sauce mirrors the caramelized citrus in the wine.

What sizes does Novellum Chardonnay come in? Novellum Chardonnay is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Novellum Chardonnay worth the price? Novellum positions firmly as a value-tier wine that dramatically overdelivers — a 94-point score from Jeb Dunnuck and consistent 89–92 point ratings from Wine Advocate across multiple vintages place it in quality territory usually occupied by wines costing significantly more. For a Vin de France Chardonnay, the critical reception is exceptional.

Why Novellum Chardonnay?

The defining detail here is the Viognier lees aging technique, which gives this wine a textural dimension and aromatic complexity that neutral oak or straight tank fermentation alone cannot achieve. That method, combined with Roussillon's warm Mediterranean climate and the Lafage family's meticulous vineyard management, produces a Chardonnay that consistently punches above its weight class in critical evaluations — highlighted by the 94-point Jeb Dunnuck score for the 2020 vintage and the Wine Advocate's 92-point ratings for both the 2013 and 2016 releases. In a category crowded with safe, formulaic Chardonnays, Novellum earns attention through a genuinely distinctive production approach and a track record of critical acclaim that few wines at this price point can match.