Premier Cru Fourchaume Domaine
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
Appellation of 130 hectares on the right bank of the Serein, in the exact continuation of the Grands Crus slope, separated by a simple path from the Grand Cru Les Preuses, the appellation produces powerful and mineral wines.
Terroir
Marl with fairly deep soils. The plots cover 3.63 hectares located in the Vaulorent locality, representing 3.2% of the appellation, oriented from southeast to southwest.
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 17 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
Very aromatic bouquet combining notes of fruit and flowers.
The palate is very elegant, blending power, finesse and roundness.
Grapes
Chardonnay
: 100 %