2015 Georges DuBoeuf Mâcon-Villages, Mâconnais, Burgundy, France

Wine of the Week with Annette Tomei

In wine-speak, a flight is a line up of wines tasted in a particular order that feature a specific theme. My summertime Flights of Fancy were so fun to write, that I decided to give it another go. With the holidays now in full swing, you are bound to see plenty of great recommendations for what to serve with what, and when. I’m taking a slightly different direction. Over the next few weeks, I will share with you what I am personally serving and drinking this holiday season. (It includes this White Burgundy to please a crowd.) With multiple celebrations ahead, there will be plenty to share!

Holiday gatherings often bring near-strangers together at the table (buffet or otherwise). Entertaining on a large scale calls for wine that will please many, including you – no need to call in the critters. Yes, you can have a Chardonnay (sans sugar and sawdust) that won’t break the bank and may even earn you a few new friends (or clients, as the case may be). It’s even French – from Burgundy. That’s always important to a few in that crowd.

As my current holiday adventure finds me in a place where thousands of diverse palates must be satisfied, my crowd-pleasing Chardonnay of choice comes from one of the most recognizable names in Burgundy – Georges DuBoeuf.

Les Vins Georges DuBoeuf is a négociant. That is, a company that purchases grapes, juice, or wines from many growers/producers, bottling and selling the wine under their own label. This is a common practice, especially in Burgundy. At its best, this system yields wines that are consistent in quality, and provide secure income to small growers. They are often, also, reasonably priced.

DuBoeuf may be best known for Beaujolais. However, this White Burgundy to please a crowd comes from grapes grown in the Mâconnais in southern Burgundy. The appellation Mâcon-Villages designates white wines made from the Chardonnay grape that come from select communes around the Mâconnais. The appellation is known for light, fruity wines.

About this Wine

True to the style of Mâcon-Villages, this is a simple, light bodied, easy drinking wine. Pale golden in color, it has aromas of lemon curd, apple, and delicate floral notes. On the palate, citrus dominates with lemon and a touch of lime zest – tart, but not overly so. The finish is smooth with a pleasant note of toasted almond.

This light and refreshing wine is a good choice for cocktail parties or to serve at the beginning of the evening with hors d’oeuvres. (In other words, it is a great White Burgundy to please a crowd.) It pairs well with all types of seafood preparations from raw bars and sushi to tempura and fried preparations (also great with the vegetable versions of the same). It will also carry over into the main meal, pairing with classic chicken, turkey, and light bodied vegetarian dishes.

The Verdict

For under $20/bottle (often closer to $15) you get consistently good wine that will appeal to many. It is great with food or without; it is recognizable to the label-conscious, and great value.