Coeur des Sages Mâcon Villages Chardonnay 2023 from southern Burgundy is a pale lemon–gold charmer, humming with citrus, blossom and that clean, stony edge you want from good white Burgundy at this price. This Coeur des Sages Macon Villages Chardonnay 2023 is all about freshness and balance, offering serious refreshment without losing its Burgundian poise.

In the glass you’ll find lemon tart, grapefruit, green apple and juicy pear, laced with white blossom, a touch of ginger biscuit, sandalwood, salt–tinged minerality and hints of quince and honey. The palate is light–bodied, crisp and energetic, bursting with citrus and orchard fruit over a tight, racy line, malolactic ferment adding just enough softness and texture without dulling that vibrant acidity. It’s tense, refreshing and quietly complex, making it a brilliant aperitif style that still holds its own at the table.

Food–wise, think nori rolls, fried calamari, school prawns or classic fish and chips, where that lemony crunch absolutely sings. It’s also spot–on with goat’s cheese salads, simple roast chook, creamy pastas or soft–rind cheeses, making it a cracking, great–value white Burgundy to keep on standby in the fridge.