Billaud Simon Chablis Grand Cru Vaudesir featured image
Billaud-Simon Chablis Grand Cru Vaudesir 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 Vaudésir 2023 comes from one of Chablis’ most evocative Grand Cru climats, possibly named from “la vallée de tous les désirs”, the valley of all desires. The Domaine’s parcel covers 0.49 hectares within the 14.70-hectare climat. Planted to Chardonnay on Kimmeridgian limestone, the right-bank vineyard has south and south-east exposure. This Grand Cru terroir gives the wine structure, finesse and a balance between aromatic delicacy and mineral tension.
Vinification
The grapes were hand-harvested, manually sorted and gently pressed with a pneumatic press. The musts underwent 12 to 24 hours of static cold settling in stainless steel to obtain bright, clear juice. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentations occurred naturally in stainless steel vats. The wine was aged for 15 to 18 months in stainless steel to preserve freshness and minerality. It was racked twice before bottling at the end of autumn.
2023
The 2023 growing season produced generous, refined Chablis. Winter was mild, with February marked by five weeks without rain. Sub-zero temperatures arrived at the end of March, but the vineyards were not affected. Budburst was delayed to around 18 April by alternating cool and mild April conditions. Warmth from May brought rapid flowering in early June. July was cool and stormy, while August rainfall, sunshine and higher temperatures supported ripening. Harvest concluded on 20 September with Vaud?sir and Chablis Village.
Tasting Note
Pale yellow in colour, with clear green glimmers. The nose is complex and delicate, showing white flowers, including acacia and lime blossom, with vanilla and honey. The palate is well structured, combining richness with lively acidity and Grand Cru depth. Medium to full-bodied, it balances floral finesse, mineral tension and subtle sweetness of fruit. The finish is long, fresh and elegant, with persistent floral and mineral notes.
Food Pairing
Pair with scallops, lobster, turbot, roast chicken, Comt?, white truffle, seafood in light cream sauce, asparagus risotto or refined fish dishes.
Bottle Shots - Billaud-Simon Chablis Grand Cru Vaudesir 2023
