Domaine Billaud-Simon Chablis “Bougros” Grand Cru 2016

Producer Information

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.

Vineyards

The name of this climat – that can be spelt in several different ways – originates from its geographical location. It lies at the foot of the ‘Bougros’ hillside. The Serein river runs just a few metres from here and was often flooded in the past. For this reason, the pathway led
along ‘la pierreuse’, just before ‘boquereau’ and became ‘Bougros’ over time meaning ‘a narrow pathway next to the water’s edge’ (Bouque in old French means ‘narrowing’).

Total surface area: 12 ha 60
Soils: Clay-limestone with a higher clay content than the other Grand Crus
Exposure: Right bank. South – South/West
Grape variety: Chardonnay

Winemaking

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. 15 to 18 months in stainless steel vats with, if necessary, some time spent in French oak barrels in order to preserve freshness and minerality whilst bringing complexity and richness to the wine. The wine is racked twice before being bottled in the end of Autumn.

Vintage Information

The defining moment of the vintage was extreme frosts on the 27, 28 and 29 April. Furthermore, the Chablis region was hit by two hailstorms on the 13 and 27 May.

Harvest began on Saturday 24 September in ‘Les Vaillons’ vines, and ended on Thursday 29 September with 1er Cru ‘Mont de Milieu’ parcel. The complicated weather conditions of 2016 severely compromised the yields which were down by 50%. The grapes, however, were of exceptional quality and displayed an excellent balance between sugar and acidity.

This vintage produced concentrated, powerful and very smooth wines. They are intensely aromatic and well-suited to gastronomy thanks to their aromas of citrus fruits and floral, mineral notes. The 2016 vintage displays remarkable tension and cellaring potential.

Tasting Note

A remarkably rich Grand Cru. The nose reveals intense mineral notes combined with aromas of candied fruits. The palate is rich and unctuous with notes of gingerbread. The structure is both firm and round. Elegant finish with lingering saline notes.

Food Pairing

Oysters, frog’s legs, skate wing in a creamy parsley sauce.

Serving Suggestion

10°C to 12 °C

Press

Vinous Media: 89-91 Points

Allen Meadows: 89-92 Points

Chablis, France
100% Chardonnay
Cork
13%
2.2g/l
4.2
Yes
Yes

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