In the 1100s, King Louis VII began to use a fleur de lys (a stylized, three-petal lily) to symbolize French heritage and ceremony. Today, the same mark is emblazoned on Fleur de Lys Chardonnay, our favorite white from DeLoach Vineyards, the Russian River estate of Burgundy-born Jean-Charles Boisset. With crisp flavors of citrus and orchard fruit, and just the faintest hint of oak, it’s an ideal fusion of French technique and California style.

The winery’s founders—Cecil and Christine DeLoach—adopted the fleur de lys symbol in 1975 as a nod to their Huguenot lineage and their trio of varieties, Chardonnay, Pinot and Zinfandel. But what a perfect emblem for Jean-Charles, who purchased their estate in 2003 and brought his French sensibilities to the already impressive operation.

Doubling down on their sustainability efforts, he elevated DeLoach’s reputation to record heights. After focusing red wine production on Pinot Noir, Burgundy’s flagship grape, he set his sights on Chardonnay, Burgundy’s top white.

Today, DeLoach winemaker Katie Carter crafts a range of wines from the grape, which are often sold for $50 or more. But this one is our favorite for its outstanding quality-to-price ratio.

It’s made with grapes from a Certified Sustainable grower-partner in the Delta region, where the Sacramento River’s cooling influence creates ideal growing conditions. The fruit is pressed immediately upon arrival at the winery, where most of the juice then ferments in stainless steel. A small portion goes into oak, which, when later blended in, lends weight, softens the palate and adds a delicate spice note.

By the time you pour a glass, everything will be perfectly balanced, with that woody quality playing second fiddle to tones of lemon, pear, apple and grapefruit. Take our word for it and order more than one bottle—this really is a Chardonnay to suit every palate.