Burgundy back up: The best burgundy white wine alternatives, according to Singapore’s top sommeliers

There’s something magnificently glorious about drinking white burgundies, but over the years, their accompanying price tags compel even the most discerning drinkers to raise a brow or two. Today’s haunting reality is that one can’t simply indulge in modern burgundy without feeling a little tyrannical. But instead of yammering about rocketing demand, climate catastrophes and ostentatious oligarchs with bottomless cellars, we’ve gathered juicy intel from Singapore’s top sommeliers on the best burgundy white wine alternatives.

While conventional white burgundy often refers to a strict make of chardonnay grapes, this discussion considers options beyond chardonnay. For a grape whose most defining characteristic is its lack of defining characteristics, we bank on versatility to reveal an inclusive list featuring varied regions and styles.

Read more: New frontiers: Up-and-coming wine regions you should know about

Santorini, Greece

Assyrtiko from Santorini by Domaine Sigalas (Photo: Instagram/ @domainesigalas)

Roberto Duran, head sommelier of 67 Pall Mall Singapore

“New styles and new producers are emerging these days, and I believe that mineral-driven styles will play a significant role when it comes to white burgundy alternatives. I recommend checking out assyrtiko from Santorini; it is the flagship grape varietal of Greece. Originally from Santorini, it has spread throughout the country, becoming one of the most important white wines bearing the highest quality. Additionally, the Santorini Caldera volcano contributes a unique smokiness and minerality to the wine. Some key producers I am excited about are Domaine Sigalas, Vassaltis Vineyards, and Hatzidakis Winery.”

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Willamette Valley chardonnay by Niew Vineyards in Oregon (Photo: Instagram/ @niewvine)

Mason Ng, wine director of Park90 Singapore

“Oregon is certainly an up-and-coming region, making wines that bear resemblance to burgundy whites. It helps that many open-minded individuals push the wine-making boundaries within the region. One particular case is Niew Vineyards from the Willamette Valley, owned and operated by Tai-Ran Niew, a former investment banker with a PhD in aeronautical engineering from Cambridge University, who grew up in Singapore. In blind tastings, some people, including myself, called it a meursault on multiple occasions. Other estates to look out for include the acclaimed Lingua Franca Winery and cult producers 00 Wines.”

Justin Wee, assistant head sommelier of Raffles Hotel

“I enjoy chardonnay from Oregon as an alternative to chardonnays from Burgundy. Many good winemakers established themselves successfully within the Willamette Valley AVA, most notably Niew Vineyards from Eola-Amity Hills, 00 Wines’ VGW chardonnay, and those from Penner-Ash Estate. These wines promise a great balance of fineness with the rounded mouthfeel that appeals to Burgundy lovers.”

Napa Valley, California

The legendary chardonnay from Chateau Montelena in Napa Valley, which placed first in the Judgment of Paris in 1973 (Photo: Instagram/ @chmontelena)

Lesley Liu, head sommelier of Odette

“I’m a big fan of chardonnay due to its diverse tasting profile. A great alternative to burgundy whites is the American chardonnay, especially from California. While other states such as Oregon and Washington produce some of the finest light and mineral-driven chardonnays, a Napa Valley chardonnay offers buttery, sweet corn and vanilla notes. I enjoy the ripeness of the grapes in these wines, which adds complexity and balanced acidity, which can be savoured on its own or paired with food.”

Jura, France

Domaine des Murmures savagnin 2019 from Jura, France (Photo: Instagram/ @jura_wine)

Daisuke Shibuya, head sommelier of Terra

“The Jura region, located just east of Burgundy, is famous for vin jaune, made predominantly from the indigenous grape varietal savagnin. As a lesser-explored region, Jura offers plenty of opportunities for discovery, and depending on the winemaking approach, savagnin grapes can produce either sweet or dry styles of wines. While wines from Jura may bear distinct character compared to Burgundy, many of its white wines can serve as excellent substitutes.

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Stellenbosch, South Africa

The Rall White by Rall Wines, a producer based in Stellenbosch, South Africa (Photo: Instagram/ @zaki_miya_76)

Daisuke Shibuya, head sommelier of Terra

“Another recommendation I am proposing is the Rall White by Rall Wines, a producer based in Stellenbosch, South Africa. It is made from a blend of chenin blanc, verdelho and viognier—a combination far removed from burgundy’s typical profile. This wine delivers pronounced minerality and complex fruit aromas, and is aged for 10 months in French oak to create a harmonious and balanced experience. It also has excellent ageing potential. Notably, chenin blanc, one of the key grapes in this blend, is also a descendant of the indigenous grape varietal, savagnin, connecting the wine to an ancient lineage.”

Tuscany, Italy

The Querciabella Batàr 2021 from Tuscany (Photo: Instagram/ @juliaswinefete)

Kathryn Wong, senior sommelier of Somma

“I recommend the Querciabella Batàr 2021 from Tuscany. This wine reflects the dedication of the Castiglioni family, whose estate has become a pioneer in biodynamic farming and innovative winemaking. Owner Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni, an advocate for the environment, has steered Querciabella’s winemaking philosophy toward sustainability, even eliminating animal-derived products from their process. The Batàr is made from a blend of chardonnay and pinot bianco, handpicked from high-altitude vineyards in Chianti. This unique terroir imbues the wine with distinct minerality and complexity, unveiling beautiful notes of citrus and exotic fruit and a creamy texture.”

Auckland, New Zealand

Chardonnay by Kumeu River Wines in Auckland, New Zealand (Photo: Instagram/ @kumeu_river)

Yeo Xi Yang, head sommelier and owner of Convivial

“There are many great examples in the recent decade that have rivalled white burgundies, and my fondest comes from Kumeu River Wines in Auckland, New Zealand. The winemaker, Michael Brajkovich, is New Zealand’s first Master of Wine and is highly talented in winemaking. His chardonnays are mineral and saline, with controlled usage of barrel usage.”

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