Value Burgundy: Top 30 reds and whites under £20

A16ha estate nestling beneath the imposing rock of Vergisson, this small family domaine is run by Nathalie and Hervé Carrette. Les Chatenays comes from a 1ha block at 390m-400m on sandy/limestone clay soils. There is plenty to enjoy here with the richness and ripeness of 2020 allied to vibrant acidity on the palate. Not over the top, but a fine combination of fruit ripeness and focus. Subtle lees-aged character with mineral notes to finish. A high-class, fine example of St-Véran.

The domaine is run by Richard and Stéphane Martin, who tend some 60 individual parcels. This is a vibrant, sunny and fresh example of St-Véran with weight and richness balanced by complex flavours and bright acidity to finish. From older vines, this has been aged for 10 months with a small proportion in barrel. An appealing mineral edge adds to the complexity. Plush and long on the finish with potential for further ageing.

This leading domaine is run by Dominique and his son Romain; their 10ha are certified organic and biodynamic principles are applied. A very fine Mâcon-Fuissé with plenty to like on both nose and palate. Lots of complexity of flavour, from the leesy, biscuity notes to ripeness and concentration of fruit, allied to the crisp, vibrant acidity. A classy and great-value wine with the potential to age well for several years.

Longtime friends Jean-Luc Terrier and Christian Collovray of Domaine des Deux Roches recently launched this value range created from purchased grapes. This shows the same attention to detail as any of their wines. Plenty of weight and ripeness with extra richness from the maturation in wood (will settle down with a further 12 months in bottle). Bright acidity to balance the concentration.

This Côtes Salines from a dynamic estate in Chablis shows appealing creamy/lactic notes on the nose, good concentration on the palate and crisp acidity to keep everything in check. A fine example of Bourgogne Chardonnay with mineral, stony characters on the finish and plenty of freshness and complexity. Definitely shows the effect of the cooler, more northerly terroir.

As with the Cornins’ Mâcon-Fuissé, there is plenty to like here. Rich and concentrated with brisk acidity to keep everything fresh, some leesy, creamy notes, with a bite of zesty citrus to keep the ripe fruit in check. Intriguing, long mineral finish. A very classy wine and a top example of village Mâcon.

With their vine-cultivating roots dating back to 1595, Domaine Masse Père et Fils has a very long history in the region. This is a fresh, good-value Bourgogne Chardonnay and although the acidity is a little edgy and sharp at the moment, there is plenty of weight and concentration in this Vieilles Vignes bottling. Floral nose allied to apple/pear fruit character. Good length to finish, with an appealing mineral note at the end.

Now made by fifth-generation Laurent Delaunay, Septembre is a blend with roughly a third each coming from the Côte d’Or, the Mâconnais (for richness) and the Yonne (freshness/mineral notes). A wine with lots of floral notes, while the palate is concentrated and complex, with a delicious combination of stone fruit cut with lime zest notes. Brisk acidity and a stony finish make for a fine entry-level Bourgogne Chardonnay.

A blend made for Corney & Barrow by the Auvigue family, based in Pouilly-Fuissé. Cool, fresh and harmonious on the palate. There is plenty of concentration evident, despite the challenges of the difficult 2021 growing season. Bright apple notes complemented by lemon acidity and appealing, fresh mineral characters to finish. No oak used but there is no shortage of interest here. Long and elegant finish.

The Prissé-based cave’s St-Véran lieu-dit Croix de Montceau comes from south-facing vines at 300m on clay-limestone soils. A weighty, rich, plush example from the hot 2019 vintage, this retains plenty of purity and freshness. No oak evident which helps maintain the fresh character on the palate. Mineral notes to finish. Very nicely done.

Another success under the Bourcier-Martinot label which marries fine quality with top value. Good combination of purity of fruit, a hint of oak maturation, lively cleansing acidity. Not trying too hard but a fresh, vibrant example with an appealing mineral edge to finish. Lots to enjoy here – bright and very elegant on the finish.

Sourced from a 12ha plot in Bussières in the southern Mâconnais. Plenty of concentration from vines averaging more than 40 years of age. Brisk acidity balances the richness and concentration of ripe fruit with a lick of 10% oak maturation adding more complexity on the palate. An attractive early-drinking wine with good purity and a salty character on the finish.

Produced by Vérizet, part of the Cave de Viré, Fleurs Blanches is a very well-priced Mâcon. Sourced from older vines, and displaying the extra ripeness from the warm 2020 vintage this is a fresh, clean and vibrant example. Floral, plenty of interest on the nose and palate with fleshiness and purity of flavour. A crisp and enjoyable wine which will drink well for 12-18 months.

A blend from different plots, this is bright and brisk with nice weight on the palate, showing the typical Aligoté freshness and lick of citrus acidity. Eight months' maturation in tank has added extra complexity with a honeyed edge adding an almost luxurious note. Drinking well now, this has the acidity to drink well for a year or two. A fine result in the tricky 2021 vintage.

A very appealing Mâcon from a small, fifth-generation family estate in Solutré. There's crisp green apple acidity and loads of freshness on the palate. Perhaps just veering towards being a bit too tart for some palates, it will appeal to those who enjoy wines with more acidity and a slightly bitter edge. A style of Mâcon which I enjoy.

Aligoté is one of Chanzy’s specialities. With extra weight and concentration from the 2020 vintage, the wine shows lactic, creamy notes on both nose and palate. Broad and showing nice maturity now, this still has the concentration to age well for several years. There is plenty of typical Aligoté bright lemon acidity keeping the wine fresh, albeit it finishes just a little short.

This cooperative in Prissé has more than 350 growers, comprising just over 1,000ha under the direction of winemaker Georges Brichon. This wine shows the additional concentration often found with the wines from Viré-Clessé. Intriguing, with notes of orange box, roasted peach, plenty of acidity, and mineral notes to balance on the finish. Long, lingering finish.

From the renowned, high-quality cooperative at Buxy, a light, easy and straightforward Bourgogne Chardonnay which marries fresh peach character with a lick of lime/lemon acidity. Although not hugely concentrated there is plenty of purity and precision here, and the wine represents good value.

Florent is the fifth generation at this family estate in Monthélie, and their small parcel of Vieilles Vignes Aligoté is located in Puligny. This intriguing wine balances the warmth of the 2018 season with the acidity of Aligoté. Still fresh in the mouth, hints of oak maturation are subtle and add to the complexity. Not a heavyweight, but light and fresh, with plenty of Aligoté typicity.

Showing the freshness and concentration of the excellent 2020 vintage, this blend has matured well and still shows plenty of vibrant acidity to balance the weight of ripe, peach-driven fruit. Lacks a little complexity but well priced for what it offers.