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Billaud-Simon Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses 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
Billaud-Simon Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses 2023 comes from a Grand Cru parcel whose name is linked to “pierre”, meaning stone, and to an ancient Roman road. The Domaine’s parcel covers 0.49 hectares within the 14.70-hectare climat. The vineyard is planted to Chardonnay on Kimmeridgian limestone, with south and south-east exposure on the right bank. The site’s clay-influenced terroir gives Les Preuses its depth, mineral complexity and refined Grand Cru structure.
Vinification
The grapes were hand-harvested, manually sorted and gently pressed using a pneumatic press. The musts were cold settled for 12 to 24 hours in stainless steel before natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentations. The wine was aged for 15 months in stainless steel, with possible time in French oak barrels to bring complexity and richness while preserving freshness and minerality. The wine was racked twice before bottling at the end of autumn.
2023
The 2023 vintage was marked by good balance and healthy fruit. Winter was mild, with a very dry February, while late-March frost did not affect the vineyards. Alternating cool and mild conditions delayed budburst to around 18 April. A gradual rise in temperature from May brought rapid flowering in early June. July was cool and stormy, but August provided favourable ripening through rain reserves, sunshine and warmth. Harvest took place between 11 and 20 September in fine weather.
Tasting Note
Pale yellow in colour, with golden reflections. The nose is rich yet delicate, showing mineral, creamy, floral and subtly saline notes, alongside honey and dried fruit. The palate opens with a direct attack and develops into a powerful, well-defined mid-palate. Citrus aromas combine with mineral and saline detail, reflecting the clay-rich terroir. The finish is long, complex and persistent, with excellent Grand Cru depth.
Food Pairing
Pair with lobster, scallops, turbot, crab, roast poultry, Comt?, white fish in beurre blanc, mushroom risotto or fine shellfish dishes.
Bottle Shots - Billaud-Simon Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses 2023
