Billaud-Simon Chablis Premier Cru Les Vaillons 2023
Vintage
2023
Region
Chablis, Burgundy
Country
France
Style
Still
Grape Varieties
Chardonnay
ABV
13%
Dietary
Vegan, Vegetarian
Sustainability
Organic Viticulture
Domaine Billaud-Simon
Domaine Billaud-Simon is a historic Chablis estate in Burgundy, France, established in 1815 and known for precise, mineral-driven Chardonnay from some of the appellation’s best sites. Based in the commune of Chablis, the domaine covers almost 17 hectares, including Grand Cru Chablis from Les Clos, Les Preuses, Vaudésir and Les Blanchots, as well as Premier Cru wines from Fourchaume, Montée de Tonnerre, Mont de Milieu and Les Vaillons. Billaud-Simon offers a clear reference point for fine Chablis, combining old vines, Kimmeridgian soils and a pure, mineral style.
Read MoreViticulture
Premier Cru Les Vaillons 2023 comes from a Premier Cru whose name derives from “vallon”, meaning small valley. The Domaine’s parcel covers 2.95 hectares within the 15-hectare climat. The site is on the right bank, with south and south-west exposure. Soils are very pebbly clay-limestone colluvial deposits over Kimmeridgian subsoil, giving Chardonnay both aromatic complexity and fresh mineral structure. The valley setting contributes to the wine’s refined balance and persistent freshness.
Vinification
The grapes were hand-harvested, manually sorted and gently pressed using a pneumatic press. The musts underwent static cold settling for 12 to 24 hours in stainless steel vats before natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentations. The wine was aged for 14 to 16 months in stainless steel, with possible short ageing in French oak where required. This ?levage preserves freshness and minerality while adding complexity and body. The wine was racked twice and bottled at the end of autumn.
2023
The 2023 growing season produced generous, balanced Chablis. Winter was mild, with a very dry February and late-March cold that did not affect the vineyards. Alternating cool and mild conditions delayed budburst to around 18 April. Warmer temperatures from May brought rapid flowering in early June. July was cool and marked by storms, but rainfall, sunshine and warmer August weather allowed good ripening. Harvest began on 11 September with Vaillons and Fourchaume, in fine conditions and with healthy fruit.
Tasting Note
Bright and clear in appearance, with attractive golden tinges. The nose shows remarkable aromatic complexity, with ripe citrus and white flowers. The palate is round and seductive, opening with a lively attack and developing into a refined, mineral- textured profile. Medium-bodied and precise, it combines fruit detail with delicate acidity and freshness. The finish is long, elegant and persistent, with citrus, floral and mineral notes carried clearly through.
Food Pairing
Pair with grilled sea bass, scallops, crab, chicken in a light cream sauce, asparagus, sushi, goat?s cheese, seafood risotto or delicate white fish dishes.
