Billaud-Simon Chablis Premier Cru Montee de Tonnerre 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 Premier Cru Montée de Tonnerre 2023 comes from a Premier Cru situated beside the former Roman road linking Auxerre and Tonnerre. As an extension of the Grand Crus, Montée de Tonnerre is one of the most complete Chablis Premier Crus, combining mineral, floral, textural and powerful elements. The Domaine’s parcel covers 2.15 hectares within a 30-hectare climat. Soils are predominantly Kimmeridgian limestone clay, with south and south-west exposure on the right bank.
Vinification
The grapes were hand-harvested, manually sorted and gently pressed with a pneumatic press. Static cold settling lasted 12 to 24 hours in stainless steel vats, producing a bright, clear must. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentations occurred naturally in stainless steel. The wine was aged for 14 to 16 months in stainless steel to preserve freshness and minerality, then racked twice and bottled at the end of autumn. This approach highlights the climat?s natural power, texture and mineral definition.
2023
The 2023 vintage was generous and produced refined, balanced wines. Winter was mild, with five dry weeks in February. Late-March cold brought sub-zero temperatures but no vineyard damage. Budburst was delayed by variable April conditions, then occurred around 18 April. Rising temperatures from May encouraged rapid flowering in early June. July was cool and stormy, while August brought favourable ripening through rainfall, sunshine and warmer conditions. Harvest took place in fine weather from 11 to 20 September, with healthy fruit.
Tasting Note
Pale gold in colour, with greenish tinges. The nose is exceptional, combining mineral notes, spice and floral lift. The palate is complex and harmonious, balancing strength, freshness, sweet fruit and intense floral aromas. Medium to full-bodied, it has both depth and precision, with a clear mineral structure supporting the fruit. The finish is long, elegant and refined, showing the breadth and completeness of Mont?e de Tonnerre.
Food Pairing
Pair with lobster, langoustines, turbot, scallops, roast chicken, Comt?, mushroom risotto, seafood in cream sauce or refined white meat dishes.
