Premier Cru Vaillons
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
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 %