Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos Domaine
The vintage
Following the mild, wet and cloudy winter months, March, April and May brought more changeable, and at times colder, conditions. Thanks to several warmer spells in March and April, budburst began without any significant delay. However, just as the first leaves were appearing, an exceptional frost event struck the vineyard on 27 April. Some of our Premier Cru vineyards suffered 50% damage, while certain Chablis Village plots were affected in their entirety. Rainfall also intensified from April onwards, particularly in May and June. May was especially wet, causing the Serein to burst its banks on 26 and 27 May. These heavy rains considerably increased the risk of downy mildew, which reached very high levels, and the violent hailstorms, such as those on 13 and 27 May, compounding the damage already caused by the April frost. Flowering was consequently delayed and did not properly get underway until the week commencing 20 June. Following a few temperature spikes at the end of June, more favourable weather conditions settled in from the first ten days of July and persisted until the harvest. Warmth, dry weather and sunshine prevailed, occasionally causing sunburn on the grapes. In addition, the relatively dry summer meant that mid-veraison was delayed until the very end of August, around three weeks before the harvest. Welcome rainfall on 15 September enabled the grapes to reach maturity rapidly.
Location
The appellation, located to the south of the Côte des Grands Crus, covers 26.04 hectares oriented due south. It is the largest and most famous of the Grands Crus, and is the historical heart of the Chablis vineyard.
Terroir
Rocky lands. Very white, dense, and deep clays, mixed with a conglomerate of fossils and stones. The limestone compressions located 80 cm deep give this Grand Cru its aromas and spices in its youth. The plots cover 4.11 hectares, representing 16% of the total appellation, with a southern exposure, full sunlight, and plots located on the heights of the appellation.
Winemaking
Application of the principle of gravity to avoid any pumping, which could alter the quality of the wine. Short-duration pneumatic pressing (1.5 to 2 hours) for a delicate separation between the solid and liquid parts of the grapes. The vinifications are carried out in stainless steel vats. Aging lasts 20 months, including 5 to 6 months on fine lees in French oak barrels for 40% of the blend. The aging process finishes in small stainless steel tanks.
Tasting
Bouquet of remarkable complexity, blending fruity, floral, and spicy notes with great minerality.
The palate is structured, opening with age to reveal powerful and generous wines.
Grapes
Chardonnay
: 100 %