Tim Atkin MW
94/100
Billaud-Simon Chablis Premier Cru Mont de Milieu 2023
Vintage
2023
Region
Chablis, Burgundy
Country
France
Style
Still
Grape Varieties
Chardonnay
ABV
13%
Dietary
-
Sustainability
-
Critics
Tim Atkin MW: 94/100
Domaine Billaud-Simon
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.
Read MoreVinification
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. 14 to 16 months in stainless steel vats with, if necessary, some time spent in French oak barrels. The ageing process preserves freshness and minerality whilst bringing complexity and body to the wine. The wine is racked twice before being bottled at the end of Autumn.
Tasting Note
A blend of four parcels representing all the different aspects and altitudes of the Mont de Milieu vineyard, the wine is fresh and mineral with fresh citrus fruits, pink lady apple and fresh peonies. A more complex palate, with fruit concentration and a creaminess balancing the minerality and zesty acidity.
Food Pairing
Quail terrine, sea bream with confit lemons, king prawns in ginger and lime.
Serving Suggestion
10°C to 12 °C
