Le Domaine d'Edouard Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxerre AOP 2020

Côtes D’Auxerre has languished for years in the shadow of its famous neighbor, Chablis. But change is on the horizon, in large thanks to a small group of young wine producers like Edouard Lepesme. An experienced marketer and commercial specialist, Lepesme exchanged a career behind the desk for one in the vineyards, studying winemaking and viticulture from renowned producers in France and beyond. Ambitious to show off the potential of his home terroir, which shares in the region’s abundance of distinctive chalky limestone soils, he purchased 33 acres from Andre Donat, the son of a pioneering vigneron who planted pinot noir, chardonnay, aligote, and gamay noir in the village of Vaux-Auxerre in the ‘60s. Farming 100% organically, Lepesme harvest by hand and takes a minimalist approach in the cellar, fermenting with indigenous yeasts, keeping sulfur usage to a bare minimum, and eschewing the use of oak to ensure nothing hampers the expressiveness of his wines. This chardonnay is perfect alongside grilled veggies and lighter protein dishes, but is also delicious all on its own. Certified organic, vegan.