Grape varietals
The Chablis Premier Cru grape variety is Chardonnay.
Origins
Chablis is near Auxerre in the Yonne département and is one of the southernmost wine growing areas in Burgundy. It has the particular characteristic of only producing white Chardonnay wines. The area is also recognised for its geology; the major base course dates from the Kimmeridgian era.
This appellation has 40 climes and areas listed as Premier Cru.
Tasting notes
Colour: pale yellow with green reflects.
Nose: starts to reveal the rich tertiary aromas of the grand Chablis, with mineral aromas of flint chips complemented by subtly buttery and honey notes.
Palate: in the mouth it is straightforward and round with a touch of honey and a spicy finish that evokes ginger.
Food and wine pairing
This wine will be a great companion to finest seafood as langoustines or oysters, all fish either grilled or in a sauce, white meats, poultry, cheese dishes and soft creamy cheeses, especially the local speciality Epoisses.
Serving suggestions
Serve at around 12-14 °C.
Ageing potential
This wine can be consumed now or laid down in a cellar for the next 5 years.
Vinification and maturing
The grapes are hand harvested and the bunches lightly pressed on arrival at the winery, the juice being allowed to settle for 24 hours before the alcoholic fermentation begins in temperature controlled enamelled tanks. The malolactic or secondary fermentation follows, to lower the naturally high levels of acidity and the wine then matures in tank for a further 6-8 months on lies. After bottling, it needs a further year to show its full qualities and can last for half a dozen more.
Vintage : 2016
It's been a long time since winegrowers had not had to bear a long hard way to give birth to a new vintage. During the months of April, May and June 2016, they suffered the dramatic consequences of freezing, hail falls, downy mildew attacks, fears of powdery mildew, etc. Many are those who suffered very hard from these vagaries of the weather, to the point of sometime wishing that year ends as soon as possible and doubt of the future. Finally, July and then August and September, with the full sun, made forget a little of the trouble and return the morale in the vineyard.
In Burgundy, during the harvest, the vines were green but a lot, however, hid under their foliage, a lack of grapes. Burgundy this year still produces a small crop, even very small for some names, especially Chablis.
But for saved vineyards and those who could enjoy a "push", the grapes were at the rendezvous, in good proportion. When the winemaker, this year of 2016, brought all the necessary care to this vine battered by successive storms and managed to bring the fruit to mature, so wines are of good quality. They are concentrated, with enough silky tannin, and have an acidic balance of good quality
It is therefore a year of "winegrower and winemaker", which will make a qualitative difference. This turbulence will not have been enough to begin our morale and we are proud to introduce you to the vintage 2016.