Domaine Faively Montagny, 2006

This is a white Burgundy from Montagny, a satellite region just north of the Maconnais. As I've mentioned in an earlier post, it's an excellent version of unoaked Chardonnay, capturing the qualities of the grape and its origins--hillside vineyards at an altitude of about 400 meters. By New World standards, yields are relatively low--about 3.7 tons per acre.

The color is a medium light yellow. Some at the table are surprised to learn that it's a Chardonnay because it has brisk acidity and a lively personality. "There is more pear and less apple than you expect from a Chardonnay," one taster commented. Actually, there are both pears and apples but slightly unripe along with lemon, minerals and spring flowers. An absolutely gorgeous wine with all the qualities I expect from a Chardonnay.