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 Chablis wine region stretches along the Serein valley and across 20 communes. Chablis, known as the ‘Porte d’Or de la Bourgogne’ (‘Golden gates of Burgundy’), has succeeded in establishing a reputation for its dry white wines with a distinctive style: clear, aromatic and lively with a distinct minerality. The Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée “PETIT CHABLIS” was established in 1944.
Total surface area: 782 ha
Soils: Kimméridgien
Exposure: South – South/East
Grape variety: Chardonnay
Billaud-Simon Petit Chablis is sourced from higher elevation vineyards throughout the appellation.
The grapes are carefully harvested in order to preserve the quality of the fruit. They 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. 9 months in stainless steel vats in order to preserve freshness and minerality. The wine is racked twice before being bottled at the end of Spring.
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 harvests took place in glorious sunny weather. Fresh, rich and beautifully ripe wines. They disclose good concentration yet without any loss of acidity on the palate. Excellent cellaring potential.
Beautiful white gold colour with pale green glimmers. The nose is generous, direct and lively. This wine discloses citrus aromas, white flowers and a touch of minerality. The softness of the fruit is dominated by fresh notes of lemon, grapefruit, apple and fern combined with a delicate iodized character.
Sole fillet in a creamy sauce, smoked trout, prawn and avocado salads.
10°C to 12 °C
100% Chardonnay
Cork
13%
Yes
Yes
