Domaine Thevenard, Crémant de Bourgogne

Domaine Thévenard comes from the Mâconnais in southern Burgundy, a region that quietly produces some of the best-value Chardonnay in France while the Côte d'Or continues casually demanding lottery winnings for village wines. Family run and deeply tied to the local limestone soils, the domaine focuses on expressive, approachable Burgundy with freshness and texture at the centre.

The white wines deliver everything people hope for from good southern Burgundy. Citrus, white peach, baked apple and subtle creaminess all balanced by bright acidity and mineral tension. Thankfully the oak stays restrained too, meaning the wines taste like Chardonnay and vineyards rather than vanilla-flavoured furniture polish.

What makes Domaine Thévenard especially appealing is how relaxed and drinkable the wines feel. There’s proper Burgundy complexity and structure underneath, but without the intimidating seriousness or painfully high prices often attached to the region. The wines feel generous and comforting while still carrying enough freshness to avoid becoming heavy.

There’s also something wonderfully old-fashioned about the whole approach. Careful vineyard work, patient winemaking and a focus on balance rather than trends. Just honest Burgundy built for drinking rather than investment portfolios and auction catalogues.