Domaine Billaud-Simon is renowned for producing some of the best wines in Chablis, long recognised for their steely, mineral style. Domaine Billaud Simon owns 20 hectares of vineyards in some of the best areas in Chablis. Most of the domaine’s wines see no oak at all, apart from the Premier Cru Mont de Milieu which is 40% vinified in oak and the Grand Cru Les Blanchots, which is 100% vinified in oak.
This parcel takes its name from the word ‘pierre’ meaning ‘stone’. La perrière was the old French term for a quarry. ‘Les Preuses’ are situated alongside an ancient Roman road. Over time ‘la pierreuse’ became ‘la Preuse’.
Surface area: 14 ha 70 / Surface area of our parcel: 0 ha 49 a
Soils: Kimmeridgian limestone
Exposure: Right bank. South – South/East
Grape variety: Chardonnay
Hand harvested in order to preserve the quality of the fruit. The grapes are sorted manually on a vibrating sorting table in order to retain only the most healthy fruit. The grapes are drained naturally before being pressed using a pneumatic press in order to gently extract the juices and conserve as much aroma as possible. Static cold settling of the musts for 12 to 24 hours in stainless steel vats in order to obtain a bright, clear juice. Alcoholic fermentation followed by malolactic fermentation, both natural, in stainless steel vats. 15 to 18 months in stainless steel vats with, if necessary, some time spent in French oak barrels in order to preserve freshness and minerality whilst bringing complexity and richness to the wine. The wine is racked twice before being bottled in the end of Autumn
The defining moment of the vintage was extreme frosts on the 27, 28 and 29 April. Furthermore, the Chablis region was hit by two hailstorms on the 13 and 27 May.
Harvest began on Saturday 24 September in ‘Les Vaillons’ vines, and ended on Thursday 29 September with 1er Cru ‘Mont de Milieu’ parcel. The complicated weather conditions of 2016 severely compromised the yields which were down by 50%. The grapes, however, were of exceptional quality and displayed an excellent balance between sugar and acidity.
This vintage produced concentrated, powerful and very smooth wines. They are intensely aromatic and well-suited to gastronomy thanks to their aromas of citrus fruits and floral, mineral notes. The 2016 vintage displays remarkable tension and cellaring potential.
Light yellow in colour with golden reflections. The nose is rich yet delicate with mineral, creamy, floral and slightly iodized notes
combined with a touch of honey and dried fruits. The palate reveals a direct attack and a powerful, well-honed and distinctive mid-palate. This wine offers a remarkable reflection of its clay terroir. Aromas of citrus blend harmoniously with mineral and iodized notes
from its outstanding terroir.
Scallop carpaccio, barbecued salmon skewers, whiting fillet.
10°C to 12 °C
Vinous Media: 91-93 Points
Allen Meadows: 90-92 Points
Chablis, France
100% Chadonnay
Cork
13%
2g/l
3.8
Yes
Yes
