Hornhead Chardonnay, Xavier Roger

Unoaked Chardonnay with lovely weight and texture

Xavier Roger’s roots were firmly in the vineyards of Sancerre in the Loire Valley. Son of Jean-Max Roger whose 34ha domaine in the village of Bué, just south-west of town of Sancerre, is renowned for its production of high quality, Sancerre, Menetou-Salon and Pouilly Fumé. However three is a crowd, and with his brothers Thibault and Etienne working at the family domaine, Xavier set out on his own and made his own way. He trained in Burgundy, and spent time working in the US, New Zealand, Germany and Bordeaux, before settling in Nimes. He now oversees the winemaking operation at LGI, a large co-operative covering Languedoc, Provence, and the South West.

This is a French Chardonnay, sourced from Gascony, but made in more of a New World way. It is modern in both expression and taste. This really punches above its appellation, the result of better grapes, careful handling, lower yields and the skill of the winemaking team. Buttery, complex and yet steely-fresh with a nice zing of acidity and baked apple pie characters.

Colour – White
Producer – Xavier Roger
Country – France
Region – South West
Vegan – Yes
ABV – 12%
Grapes – Chardonnay
Vintage – 2024
Sustainability – Non-Organic
Female Winemaker – No
Food Pairings – Coconut-lime fish curry