Wednesday, January 28, 2026 white wine review is this lovely, certified sustainable Chardonnay from the Mâconnais wine region of Burgundy. It is brand new to the LCBO, arriving as part of last month's LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.
It is produced by Cave de Lugny, a historically significant co-operative winery situated in the Mâconnais wine district of Burgundy. While the roots of Cave de Lugny date back to the 18th century, it was officially founded in 1927 on the backs of wines that were produced from the famous vineyards of Saint Pierre, Les Crêts, and La Grande Vigne, and was the second wine co-operative that was established in the Mâconnais, only one year after the establishment of the co-operative Saint-Gengoux-de-Scissé.
With shared common values and interests, the two wine co-operatives merged in 1966, but maintained their own production sites. The combined group invested in their facilities, including the installation of packaging facilities in 1970 at both sites, and all the production of red wines was moved to Saint-Gengoux-de-Scissé, while all the white wines were produced at Lugny. In 1987, the group's long name was shortened to "Cave de Lugny", and in 1994 they were joined by a third wine co-operative - Cave de Chardonnay.
Today, Cave de Lugny is firmly rooted in the Mâconnais countryside and is proud of its origins and history, which have made it a specialist in Southern Burgundy wines. The winery is forward-thinking and seeks to grow by producing not only quality wines, but also by improving the quality of working conditions. The three wineries of Cave de Lugny each have their own specialization. The winery in Chardonnay is dedicated to the production of sparkling wines, while the winery in Saint-Gengoux-de-Scissé mainly vinifies red wines. At Lugny, they vinify and age white wines, as well as handle packaging and shipping for all three wineries.
When the co-operative was initially founded, it consisted of 116 wine growers, a number that grew three years later to 180, and today that number exceeds 400 members. Together, the members of Cave de Lugny are masters of the land, proud of their craft, and share a love of their vineyards. The growers, some of whom are several generations old, are united and determined, creative and innovative, and represent a veritable raw talent which plays a crucial role in the development of the local area, the conservation of the environment, and the preservation of the region's rural activity. The wines of Cave de Lugny are produced with protected designations of origin, which build a reputation over the long term. Since 2014, Cave de Lugny has been an approved and certified member of Sustainable Winegrowing.
This particular white wine was formerly known as a Grand Reserve and came to us as a brand-new label. It is crafted with 100% Chardonnay grapes that were grown in the appellation of Mâcon-Chardonnay. The village of Chardonnay is situated in the northern part of the Mâconnais region, and the vines are grown on the slopes of two valleys: on the one side, on the northernmost extension of the hillside of Lugny along to the village of Ozenay, and on the other, between Chardonnay and the hills looking down over Tournus.
Historically, this ancient settlement was founded by the Romans and known as Cardonacum, which became Chardonnay over time. With architectural heritage artifacts, the area was known to practice winegrowing and for its dedication to transforming grapes. Towards the end of the 18th century, the village made a name for itself by producing white wines from the famous varietal, which at the time was known by many different names. In 1860, when Dr. Jules Guyot visited Baron d'Empire Chapuis-Montlaville’s property, he saw "Chardennets" plants that were more than 80 years old, and gradually the name of the village became intertwined with the grape variety.
For this Chardonnay, the 80 hectares of vines average over 30 years old and are planted on south-southeast facing slopes, on shallow soils made of limestone. To vinify this wine, the grapes were mechanically harvested and pressed in a pneumatic press. It underwent alcoholic fermentation at a controlled temperature of between 16°C and 18°C, followed by complete malolactic fermentation. The wine was matured on its lees in stainless steel vats and then bottled.
The 2023 growing season in Burgundy provided an abundance of both quantity and quality. A relatively benign winter turned into a tumultuous spring which featured both unseasonably warm and chilly days. This delayed budbreak, but avoided any spring frosts. Summer eventually arrived, along with some thunderstorms, which created humid conditions and meant that growers had to be vigilant in monitoring disease in the vineyard. Conditions leading up to harvest were balmy, followed by very good weather during harvest. The latent summer heat resulted in rich, aromatic, and fruit-driven wines. From a very good vintage, let's see how this 2023 Chardonnay from Mâconnais, Burgundy is tasting tonight...
This 100% unoaked Chardonnay has lovely, richly elegant aromas of medium-high intensity rising out of the glass with notes of lemon citrus, flinty-leesy mineral, apple, pear, and white flower, plus accents of white peach. On the dry, medium+ bodied palate it is lightly honeyed with apple, pear, citrus, spice, and white flower flavours nuanced with leesy minerals. It has fresh and lively acidity, with a juicy mid-palate, and a finely textured mouthfeel. Apple, pear, and citrus notes give way to spice and leesy-flinty minerals on the long, crisp, and well-balanced finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts
A pair of lovely wines by Cave de Lugny are readily available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Trilogy Wine Merchants.
It is produced by Cave de Lugny, a historically significant co-operative winery situated in the Mâconnais wine district of Burgundy. While the roots of Cave de Lugny date back to the 18th century, it was officially founded in 1927 on the backs of wines that were produced from the famous vineyards of Saint Pierre, Les Crêts, and La Grande Vigne, and was the second wine co-operative that was established in the Mâconnais, only one year after the establishment of the co-operative Saint-Gengoux-de-Scissé.
With shared common values and interests, the two wine co-operatives merged in 1966, but maintained their own production sites. The combined group invested in their facilities, including the installation of packaging facilities in 1970 at both sites, and all the production of red wines was moved to Saint-Gengoux-de-Scissé, while all the white wines were produced at Lugny. In 1987, the group's long name was shortened to "Cave de Lugny", and in 1994 they were joined by a third wine co-operative - Cave de Chardonnay.
Today, Cave de Lugny is firmly rooted in the Mâconnais countryside and is proud of its origins and history, which have made it a specialist in Southern Burgundy wines. The winery is forward-thinking and seeks to grow by producing not only quality wines, but also by improving the quality of working conditions. The three wineries of Cave de Lugny each have their own specialization. The winery in Chardonnay is dedicated to the production of sparkling wines, while the winery in Saint-Gengoux-de-Scissé mainly vinifies red wines. At Lugny, they vinify and age white wines, as well as handle packaging and shipping for all three wineries.
When the co-operative was initially founded, it consisted of 116 wine growers, a number that grew three years later to 180, and today that number exceeds 400 members. Together, the members of Cave de Lugny are masters of the land, proud of their craft, and share a love of their vineyards. The growers, some of whom are several generations old, are united and determined, creative and innovative, and represent a veritable raw talent which plays a crucial role in the development of the local area, the conservation of the environment, and the preservation of the region's rural activity. The wines of Cave de Lugny are produced with protected designations of origin, which build a reputation over the long term. Since 2014, Cave de Lugny has been an approved and certified member of Sustainable Winegrowing.
This particular white wine was formerly known as a Grand Reserve and came to us as a brand-new label. It is crafted with 100% Chardonnay grapes that were grown in the appellation of Mâcon-Chardonnay. The village of Chardonnay is situated in the northern part of the Mâconnais region, and the vines are grown on the slopes of two valleys: on the one side, on the northernmost extension of the hillside of Lugny along to the village of Ozenay, and on the other, between Chardonnay and the hills looking down over Tournus.
Historically, this ancient settlement was founded by the Romans and known as Cardonacum, which became Chardonnay over time. With architectural heritage artifacts, the area was known to practice winegrowing and for its dedication to transforming grapes. Towards the end of the 18th century, the village made a name for itself by producing white wines from the famous varietal, which at the time was known by many different names. In 1860, when Dr. Jules Guyot visited Baron d'Empire Chapuis-Montlaville’s property, he saw "Chardennets" plants that were more than 80 years old, and gradually the name of the village became intertwined with the grape variety.
For this Chardonnay, the 80 hectares of vines average over 30 years old and are planted on south-southeast facing slopes, on shallow soils made of limestone. To vinify this wine, the grapes were mechanically harvested and pressed in a pneumatic press. It underwent alcoholic fermentation at a controlled temperature of between 16°C and 18°C, followed by complete malolactic fermentation. The wine was matured on its lees in stainless steel vats and then bottled.
The 2023 growing season in Burgundy provided an abundance of both quantity and quality. A relatively benign winter turned into a tumultuous spring which featured both unseasonably warm and chilly days. This delayed budbreak, but avoided any spring frosts. Summer eventually arrived, along with some thunderstorms, which created humid conditions and meant that growers had to be vigilant in monitoring disease in the vineyard. Conditions leading up to harvest were balmy, followed by very good weather during harvest. The latent summer heat resulted in rich, aromatic, and fruit-driven wines. From a very good vintage, let's see how this 2023 Chardonnay from Mâconnais, Burgundy is tasting tonight...
Tasting Note:
CAVE DE LUGNY MÂCON-CHARDONNAY 2023 - Sustainable, AOC, Burgundy, France (#45272) (XD) - $23.95This 100% unoaked Chardonnay has lovely, richly elegant aromas of medium-high intensity rising out of the glass with notes of lemon citrus, flinty-leesy mineral, apple, pear, and white flower, plus accents of white peach. On the dry, medium+ bodied palate it is lightly honeyed with apple, pear, citrus, spice, and white flower flavours nuanced with leesy minerals. It has fresh and lively acidity, with a juicy mid-palate, and a finely textured mouthfeel. Apple, pear, and citrus notes give way to spice and leesy-flinty minerals on the long, crisp, and well-balanced finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts
A pair of lovely wines by Cave de Lugny are readily available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Trilogy Wine Merchants.
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