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.
For over 10 years, this prestige cuvée has been produced from the Domaine’s very best parcels planted in the village appellation. They are situated next to the Premiers and Grands Crus. In order to emphasize the care taken when producing this wine, we have created a special packaging for the fagship of the Domaine.
Soils: Kimméridgien
Grape variety: Chardonnay
Exposure: Right Bank. South – South/East
Average age of the vines: 28 years
The grapes are harvested by hand in order to preserve their quality and keep them intact. They are then pressed using a pneumatic press in order to extract juices that are rich in aromas. The musts are then settled at cold temperatures during one night before being vinified in stainless steel vats in order to preserve their clarity and brightness. The alcoholic and malolactic fermentations are left to take place naturally. The wine is then aged for 12 months with a short period spent in French oak barrels for around 20% of the cuvée, as is the case for our Grands Crus, in order to impart complexity and richness.
The winter of 2020 was surprisingly warm and dry. The growing cycle got off to a very early start with bud burst around the 26th March. Severe frosts in early April were a cause for concern, with temperatures around -7°C. Fortunately, the very low humidity levels helped to preserve the vines. After a second cold spell (known as the Ice Saints), flowering began around the 25th May. After a very hot and dry summer, the vines received much needed rain in early August (around 60mm), helping through to harvest.
Harvest took place between the 27th August and 6th September in glorious sunshine, and grapes were healthy and well-balanced. The pickers mainly worked in the mornings to ensure that the fruit was still cool when it arrived in the winery. Harvest started with Chablis Grand Cru ‘Blanchots’ followed by the other Grands Crus between the 1st and 4th September. The last parcel to be picked was Chablis ‘Tête d’Or’.
The wines are showing excellent alcohol-acidity balance and remarkable concentration, combining freshness and purity.
Attractive white gold color with delicate, pale green reflections. The nose offers citrus and white flowers. The palate is refined, smooth and rich. Everything is perfectly balanced: lively yet discreet, mineral without being dry, fruity yet refined.
Baked fsh parcels, grilled sole, roasted cod loin.
10°C to 12 °C
Chablis, France
100% Chardonnay
Cork
Yes
Yes
