A CLASSIC old world wine this week showing a light lemon yellow colour with a bouquet that, although not pronounced, is a little floral in nature.

There's a slightly oaky background to the ripe rounded fruit flavours on the palate. It's 13 per cent alcohol, light-bodied with crisp acidity and a medium length fruity finish. This is an ideal wine to accompany food: recommended are fish, shellfish and soft cheeses.

The provenance of the wine is the Chalonnaise region of Burgundy. This is a well established district, having suplied wines to the French court in the Middle Ages. Then, as now, they're known for their great delicacy.

Ten per cent of the output is wine from the chardonnay grape and 67 per cent from pinot noir. The delimited area covers 3,300 hectares.

Montagny itself is a village which has had an AOC since 1936, covering three other villages as well, 306 hectares in all. All the white wine here must have more than 11.5 per cent alcohol with the maximum yield set at 55 hecto litres per hectare.

The clay and limestone soil suits chardonnay perfectly and average production is 5-6,000 hectolitres per year. Uniquely, all Montagny vineyards may be designated premier cru and most of the production goes through the excellent co-operative at Buxy. The co-op has the motto "With the good wines of Buxy everyone laughs and everyone sings". This is one of Morrisons £2 off bargains and, for white Burgundy, £6.99 is quite reasonable.