Producer | Alphonse Mellot |
Country | France |
Region | Loire Valley |
Varietal | Chardonnay |
Vintage | 2021 |
Sku | 18772 |
Size | 750ml |
The 2021 Alphonse Mellot Les Pénitents Chardonnay is a stunning example of what happens when a legendary Loire Valley producer applies their expertise beyond Sauvignon Blanc. Alphonse Mellot, best known for his world-class Sancerre, brings the same precision and terroir-driven focus to this gorgeous Chardonnay. Sourced from vineyards in the Central Loire, this wine is a masterclass in balance, offering the perfect interplay of ripe orchard fruit, flinty minerality, and just a kiss of well-integrated oak. It’s elegant yet vibrant, with layers of golden apple, pear, citrus zest, and a subtle nuttiness that make it impossible to put down.
The 2021 vintage was cooler and more structured, leading to wines with incredible freshness and energy, and Les Pénitents Chardonnay is no exception. Its crisp acidity and refined texture make it a dream pairing for everything from seafood to roast chicken—or even just a perfect cheese board. There’s a Chablis-like purity here—bright, focused, and mineral-driven—yet with enough roundness, depth, and elegance to appeal to lovers of white Burgundy. Every sip unfolds with precision, revealing new nuances as it warms in the glass. Simply put, this wine is a delight to drink!