Manoir du Carra Coteaux Bourguignons Blanc (Chardonnay) / 2024 / 750mL

The Manoir du Carra Coteaux Bourguignons Blanc 2024 is a bright, unfussy white Chardonnay from Burgundy, built for drinking rather than contemplating. Expect clarity and lift rather than richness, with the fruit kept front and centre.

Aromas run to white peach, lemon pith and a touch of orchard blossom, with a faint chalky note underneath. The palate follows the same line — green apple, citrus and a hint of almond — all carried on a clean, dry frame.

Acidity does the structural work here, drawing the wine out long and fine without any hard edges. There is just enough texture through the middle to stop it feeling lean, and the finish is crisp, dry and quietly saline.

Serve it well chilled with grilled whiting, a goat's cheese tart, chicken poached with tarragon, or a plate of oysters on a warm afternoon. It also handles simple pasta with lemon and parsley better than most whites at this level.

Drink from now to 2027, while the fruit is fresh and the acidity still has snap.