Premier Cru Côte de Léchet
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
Around thirty lieux-dits are classified as Chablis Premier Cru due to their geographical location and the quality of their wines, which possess a complex and lingering bouquet.
The “Côte de Léchet” appellation is among the most distinguished. Situated on a steep, stony slope with excellent sun exposure, this plot produces a powerful, mineral wine with a refined and airy structure.
Terroir
Rich in minerals and fossilised oyster remains.
Winemaking
Application of the principle of gravity to avoid any pumping that could compromise the quality of the wine. Short pneumatic pressing (1.5 to 2 hours) ensures a delicate separation of the solid and liquid parts of the grapes. Very light static settling is carried out to retain enough fine lees for natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentations. The must is run into French oak barrels (aged of 6 years in average) for 20 to 30% of the harvest. The remainder is vinified in small stainless steel vats. The wine is aged for 15 to 16 months, including 6 months on fine lees in French oak barrels for 20% to 30% of the cuvée.
Tasting
Powerful and mineral, the Côte de Léchet develops aromas of candied fruit on the finish. Light, airy structure.
Grapes
Chardonnay
: 100 %