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.
Vaillons is derived from the term ‘vallon’, meaning ‘small valley’. The term ‘valson’ was also used previously. ‘Vaillons’ originates from the Latin vallis or valles meaning an ‘elongated area between two raised zones’.
Total surface area: 15 ha / Surface area of our parcel: 2 ha 95 a
Soils: Very pebbly clay-limestone colluvial deposits on a kimmeridgian subsoil
Exposure: Right bank. South, South-West
Grape variety: Chardonnay
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 in the end of Autumn.
Damaging hailstorms and frost in 2016 means that yields are down across Burgundy – as much as 50% in Chablis. However, what was harvested is of good quality in a classic style – without any particular extremes of acid, alcohol, body or fruit concentration.
Bright, clear hue with attractive golden tinges. This 1er Cru offers remarkable aromatic complexity with aromas of ripe citrus and white flowers. The palate is round and seductive with a lively attack. Excellent length and a refined aromatic persistency combining fruity
notes and a delicate acidity. Pleasant sensation of freshness.
Pan-fried foie gras, salmon trout, baked haddock parcels.
10°C to 12 °C
Vinous Media: 89-91 Points
Allen Meadows: 88-91 Points
Chablis, France
100% Chardonnay
Cork
13%
1.9g/l
4.05
Yes
Yes
