Wines Burgundy Joseph Drouhin - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Joseph Drouhin’s Bourgogne Blanc 2022 is an exemplary expression of Chardonnay from one of Burgundy’s most respected maisons. This wine is crafted from carefully selected grapes grown within the limits of the Bourgogne AOC, encompassing a variety of terroirs typical of Burgundy’s lower slopes and broader regional vineyards. The 2022 vintage benefited from a relatively warm growing season, lending the wine ripe stone fruit flavours while retaining the hallmark freshness of the region. Vinification at Joseph Drouhin adheres to traditional Burgundian methods, focusing on gentle pressing and temperature-controlled fermentation, often with partial maturation in oak barrels to enhance complexity without overpowering the varietal character. The resulting wine reveals delicate aromas of white flowers, apple, and citrus, underpinned by a hint of minerality and a refreshing, balanced palate.

Bourgogne, Burgundy’s historic and world-renowned region, is a mosaic of distinct vineyards shaped by centuries of winemaking. The climate is broadly classified as continental, with cold winters and warm, occasionally hot summers, allowing grapes to ripen steadily and develop nuanced aromatics. Soils here are predominantly limestone and clay, contributing to a remarkable minerality in the wines. Burgundy’s rich winemaking heritage dates back to Roman times and was profoundly influenced by the monks during the Middle Ages, who painstakingly mapped out the region’s finest parcels or "climats".

For food pairings, this crisp and elegant Bourgogne Blanc works beautifully with classic dishes from Burgundy, such as gougères – savoury cheese puffs – or a creamy chicken with mushrooms (poulet à la crème). It also complements fresh seafood like grilled prawns or poached salmon, as well as goat cheese salads or shellfish platters. Its fine acidity and subtle oak make it a versatile partner for light pasta dishes with herbs or lemony sauces.

To enjoy this wine at its best, serve it chilled but not too cold, ideally at 10-12°C. This will allow its delicate bouquet to open and its supple texture to shine. Use medium-sized white wine glasses and consider decanting young Burgundy whites for 30 minutes to unlock all their aromatic potential.