CAP AU SUD CHARDONNAY
SOUTH OF FRANCE 2021
Why Buy: This is an absolute steal of a deal, folks. The maker? François Carillon, the preeminent domaine in Puligny, maker of some of the most exalted white wines in all of Burgundy. The cost? Less than $25 a bottle!
The Story: They say that necessity is the mother of invention, and the creation of this stellar Chardonnay could hardly be a more perfect example of that age-old maxim. In 2021, winemakers throughout Burgundy were dismayed to find that yields throughout the region were far lower than they and observers had expected. Unwilling to leave empty the many barrels he had set aside, Carillon took action and purchased Chardonnay from the south of France. Using a method handed down to him through the many generations of his family, beginning with his ancestor, Jean Carillon, in 1520, he has turned a lemon of a situation into extraordinary lemonade.
The Specs: 100% Chardonnay, sourced from the Languedoc, and made using natural-origin products. The wine was fermented in barrel for about twelve months, during which time it was matured on the lees, to give it roundness and texture. It spent an additional six months in stainless steel vats to give it crispness and clarity.
Our Tasting Notes: It might have been born from a spur-of-the-moment decision, but, thanks to the vast knowledge and deep sensitivity of Carillon and his team, it sings with authority and nuance. We love the way its minerality and acidity balances its richness, as well as its delicate, controlled use of oak. The result is a Chardonnay that is both subtly complex and eminently drinkable, the kind of wine you find yourself reaching for again and again.
Fun Fact: François Carillon split from the legendary family estate, Louis Carillon, in 2010; several years after his departure, he spoke about the difference between his wines and those of his father's: "I think my wines are less austere than my father's ... I like refinement in simplicity ... the elegance of purity."
What to Pair It With: Shrimp in garlic sauce; seared halibut with corn sauce; lobster rolls.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so rest assured: your wine will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure your order today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2023. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NY, & TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023.
*Due to limited storage space for pre-ordered product, we can only hold orders for 30 days from the first notification that your order is ready for pickup. If you are unable to pick up your order within 30 days, please contact Concierge Sales at (855) 841-2752 or conciergesales@totalwine.com to make an arrangement. A store associate may reach out periodically to notify you of your order. Unfortunately, if no arrangements have been made, after 30 days, the order will need to be cancelled and we will provide a full refund. No orders will be cancelled without multiple communication attempts.
