Premier Cru Vaillons
The vintage
Winter brought particularly contrasting weather, with abundant rain in January and dry cold in February. Budbreak occurred in mid-April, followed by very rapid vegetative growth, encouraged by warm and dry weather. After harmless frosts in early May, flowering was quick and uniform at the end of May. Summer brought heat and sunshine, with occasional rain in August that promoted the ripening of the berries. Harvest began on September 3, with an exceptional state of health. 2018 offered us beautiful golden grapes of excellent maturity, with generous yields.
Location
An appellation of 129 hectares located on the left bank of the Serein. On the Côte des Vaillons, there are eight different named vineyards that can claim this appellation.
Terroir
Here, the soil is more calcareous than clayey, resting on hard, compact, and highly fractured Portlandian limestone (a soil layer covering the Kimmeridgian).
Winemaking
Application of the principle of gravity to avoid any pumping that could alter the quality of the wine. Short 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 proceed naturally. The must is placed in French oak barrels (on average 6 years old) for 30 to 40% of the cuvée. The remainder is vinified in small stainless steel tanks.
Tasting
Fresh and intense bouquet with notes of fruit and flowers combined with a touch of minerality.
A refined wine, round and full on the palate.
Grapes
Chardonnay
: 100 %