With a worldwide reputation for fine wine, Burgundy is the birthplace of chardonnay, with attractive blondes that offer an expression not only of good taste, but also, significantly, of the terroir.

Notoriously complex as a region, each winemaker's labels are also marked by their exact place of origin (appellation), where the precise mix of climate and soil strongly influence these compelling and expensive wines.

One-fifth the size of Bordeaux and located in central, eastern France, the Bourgogne villages run north to south and the four main white wine growing areas are Chablis, Cote-d'Or, Cote Chalonnaise and Maconnais. And while it's difficult to generalise on pricing, Chablis and the Cote-d'Or (the heart of Burgundy) signal designer price tags.

However, it is possible to find more affordable wines from lesser-known domaines and the patchwork of vineyards across the Cote Chalonnaise and Maconnais offer texture and flavour without the premier cru or grand cru price tag.

Boasting some of the best plots in Burgundy, Louis Jadot has an excellent range of classic whites within its range of more than 50 wines, many of them premier and grand cru, but also great value village wines. The Bacchus-head logo that graces its labels is the safest bet across the board if you're not familiar with this complex region and chardonnay in all its guises.

Maconnais in the far south is one of Burgundy's best value regions and Louis Jadot Macon Villages Blanc 2013, France (£11.99, Asda) is well concentrated with a lightly floral nose, well balanced appley fruit flavours and fresh acidity on the mineral-tinged finish.

One of the largest houses in Burgundy, Louis Jadot also own historic producers such as Domaine Ferret in Pouilly Fuisse in the Maconnais which reflect the quality and complexity of the wines from this tiny appellation. Try Domaine Ferret Pouilly Fuisse 2012, France (£25.99, www.oxfordwine.co.uk) which is beautifully balanced with a blossomy nose and vanilla, honey, pear and apricots tinged by spicy, nutty nuances and an underlying minerality on the elegant finish.

Another big hitter in the Cote-d'Or, Louis Latour offers great value from Vire Clesse, a relatively new appellation in the Maconnais. A slightly different style from the Pouilly Fuisse, Louis Latour Vire Clesse 2013, France (£15.19, www.spiritedwines.co.uk) is unoaked with good concentration of fruit with pretty white-peach aromas - and the soft, round, white-fruit flavours persist and build on the long, fresh, minerally finish.

Discount supermarket chain Lidl continues to embrace the luxury wine arena with the launch of 36 new wines across the classic regions of France; notably with a classy white from Rully in the north of the Cote Chalonnaise which offers great value for money. Try Rully Bourgogne, Domaine Gaspard Perret 2013, France (£10.99, Lidl) which has expressive, fruity aromas, tropical fruits on the delicate palate, a hint of hazelnut and well balanced acidity.

Further north in the small village of Pernand-Vergelesses in the Cote de Beaune (southern half of the Cote-d'Or), wines such as Sylvain Loichet Pernand-Vergelesses Blanc 2011, France (£17.95, Asda) can be a real bargain when you want to enjoy a softly textured palate of orchard fruits with mineral notes and discreet oak influences on the lengthy, fresh finish.

Meanwhile, wine merchant Laithwaites can be relied upon for sourcing a classic white Burgundy from one of the best addresses in the region that's less than £25.

Clos wines are from a single walled vineyard within the estate and while Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet Clos du Chateau 2012, France (£24, www.laithwaites.co.uk) is entry level, it's still complex and elegant with a honeyed finesse. Floral aromatics lead to ripe, creamy flavours of apricot and peach with balanced acidity on the toasty, nutty finish and there's enough richness to put you on the first rung of the ladder.

But you'll have to reach into your pockets ocean deep. Scaling the dizzy heights of grand cru Montrachet, considered by many to be the greatest white wine in the world, can cost in the region of £500 if you decide splash out on a bottle of Louis Jadot Le Montrachet 2012, France (£495, www.bbr.com).

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