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.
It was a very classic winter, with average levels of rain and temperatures. In late March that changed, with a spell of unseasonably warm temperatures, over 27C, which lead to a much earlier bud burst. Once again, Chablis was hit with severe frosts as the cold weather returned in early April. For seven nights (5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 12th, 13th and 14th April) the frost set in, and the teams were out in the vineyards trying to protect the newly formed buds. The left bank of the Serein and the upper plateau were the most impacted, notable losses in Les Vaillons and Petit Chablis. Flowering took place in mid-June and was quick and heterogeneous, and Summer was cool and humid until late August and early September when temperatures increased. Harvest began on the 18th September. Vigorous sorting took place at the winery, and this year Billaud-Simon recorded lower than average yields, around 30hL/ha, and in some Grand Cru parcels making less than 2 barrels.
The 2021 harvests in figures: 6 days of cutting, 30 pickers, 32 parcels harvested.
Attractive white gold colour, with notes of pressed flower, lemon, touches of orange peel and jasmine. The palate showcases the freshness of the 2021 vintage beautifully with tension balanced with fruit concentration. The finish displays that classic Chablis minerality.
Baked fsh parcels, grilled sole, roasted cod loin.
10°C to 12 °C
Chablis, France
100% Chardonnay
Cork
12
Yes
Yes
