Premier Cru Vaillons Domaine
The vintage
The 2023 vintage was characterized by a mild and dry winter, followed by frosts in April, with no major impact on the vines. After a hot and dry month of May, storms in June led to a high but well-managed health pressure by the estate's teams. During the summer, alternating heat and rainfall accelerated the ripening of the grapes despite a veraison slowed by the lack of water in August. The harvest, which began in early September under high temperatures, yielded generous volumes with excellent health conditions.
Location
Appellation of 129 hectares located on the left bank of the Serein. On the Côte des Vaillons, there are 8 different localities that can claim this appellation.
Terroir
Here, the soil is more limestone-rich than clayey, resting on a hard, compact, and highly fissured Portlandian limestone (a soil covering the Kimmeridgian). The plots cover 3.65 hectares oriented southeast, mainly in the lieux-dits of Vaillons, Châtains, Mélinots, and Roncières.
Winemaking
Application of the principle of gravity to avoid any pumping, which could alter the quality of the wine. Short-duration pneumatic pressing (1h30 to 2h00) for a delicate separation between the solid and liquid parts of the grapes. Very light static settling to retain enough fine lees for the alcoholic and malolactic fermentations to occur naturally. The vinifications are carried out in stainless steel vats. Aging lasts 18 months, including 5 to 6 months on fine lees in French oak barrels for 25% of the blend. The aging process finishes in small stainless steel tanks.
Tasting
Pronounced nose of fruit and flowers with beautiful freshness and some mineral touches.
Generous and refined palate, with a beautiful roundness.
Grapes
Chardonnay
: 100 %