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.
The name of this parcel has two possible origins. It could be derived from the ‘Vallée aux Meures’, with meures meaning ‘blackberries’ in ancient French. Brambles, or blackberry bushes, previously grew in this area. A second theory suggests that the name originates from the meurs (walls) which were built around a property or parcels using stones taken from the elds known as ‘murgers’ or ‘meurgers’ thereby giving us the ‘Vallée des Meurgers’.
Surface area: 13ha 20
Soils: Pebbly clay-limestone colluvial deposits on a Kimmeridgian subsoil
Exposure: Right bank. South – South/West
Grape variety: Chardonnay
The producers the domaine have selected supply them high quality musts which is then vinified in their Chablis cellars. They therefore benefit from the same techniques and care as all of their other wines. The alcoholic fermentation and malolactic fermentation are left to take place naturally. 15 to 18 months in stainless steel vats in order to preserve freshness and minerality. The wine is racked twice before being bottled at the end of Autumn.
The 2019 vintage saw extreme climatic conditions ranging from frosts to heatwaves but is very promising indeed. The mild winter temperatures, particularly in February, woke up the vegetation. The growing cycle was then interrupted by a cold spell in spring (14 April) which slowed down the development of the vines. Bud burst began in mid-April and the first flowers appeared around the 11 June. Summer was very warm and sunny and veraison took place in early August. In spite of the climatic variations, the vines did not suffer and were in perfect health. The harvest took place in glorious sunny weather. 2019 has produced fresh, rich and beautifully ripe wines with good concentration without any loss of acidity on the palate. Excellent cellaring potential.
Yellow hue with green tinges. The nose is delicate, fresh and mineral with notes of candied lemon. The palate is elegant and delicate with remarkable aromatic complexity and citrus aromas.
Serve at 10-12°C.
Chablis, France
100% Chardonnay
Cork
Yes
Yes
