Need help in selecting a white wine

[wondersofwine]

In answer to why French chardonnays and other French wines cost more--some of it is probably reputation. France has the reputation for producing many of the world's best wines from the chardonnay grape--while Germany, Alsace and possibly Austria have the reputation for producing great rieslings. (New York Finger Lakes region is making some excellent rieslings but the distribution across the USA is limited. California now produces some late harvest rieslings but may not have the climate to do it consistently year to year. In Germany too, climate contributes to the quality of the vintage.)
In addition to reputation, premier cru or grand cru white burgundies from France (or condrieus from the viognier grape, etc.) are in demand and vineyards are often very small (compared to Australian or even Californian vineyards). The old "supply vs. demand" equation is going to drive up prices. The same thing happens with "cult" wines from California or wines wine very limited production and considerable reputation.