Ceritas, Charles Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, California, USA 2023 vs Les Volets Chardonnay 2025

Les Volets Chardonnay 2025

Les Volets Chardonnay is a fresh, expressive French White Wine from the cool, high-altitude vineyards of the Haute Vallee de l'Aude, a hidden gem of southern France nestled between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Here, altitude and cool winds slow ripening and enhance aromatic intensity, producing a White Wine of genuine character and Burgundian ambition at a very approachable price. Named after the traditional shutters common throughout the region's villages, Les Volets is handcrafted by winemaker Guillaume Letang and certified HVE3 sustainable. Why You'll Love It This is Chardonnay with real ambition, crisp, concentrated, and beautifully textured from a high-altitude appellation where the variety truly excels. The Haute Vallee de l'Aude is one of southern France's finest discoveries, producing fruit with the freshness and savoury complexity more commonly associated with fine Burgundy. Sustainably grown and vinified, HVE3 certified, and offering exceptional quality and value. Vineyard and Production. Sourced from high-altitude vineyards in the Languedoc Roussillon , where cool Atlantic and Mediterranean winds slow ripening and enhance aromatic intensity. Grapes are mostly hand-picked and gently fermented in stainless steel, with a touch of oak to add texture and complexity. HVE3 certified sustainable viticulture and vinification throughout. Tasting Notes. Crunchy yellow plum and brioche on the nose. The palate is succulent and balanced, with bright acidity, a subtle twist of toasted hazelnut from the oak influence, and a savoury, Burgundian texture on the finish. More complexity than the price suggests. Perfect Pairings. An excellent match for baked chicken in a creamy sauce, wild mushroom risotto and pasta with clams in white wine. Also well suited to soft cheeses, grilled fish and creamy vegetable gratins. Grape Varieties. Chardonnay