Domaine Billaud-Simon Chablis “Vaudésir” Grand Cru 2019

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 origins of the name are not clear. It is probably derived from ‘la vallée de tous les désirs’ meaning ‘the valley of all desires’, eagerly awaited by wine lovers and winemakers each year. Whatever the case, it is certainly a very beautiful name for a wine climat.

Surface area: 14 ha 70 / Surface area of our parcel: 0 ha 49 a
Soils: Kimmeridgian limestone
Exposure: Right bank. South – South/East
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 in order to preserve freshness and minerality. The wine is racked twice before being bottled in the end of Autumn.

Vintage Information

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 harvest took place in glorious sunny weather. 2019 has produced fresh, rich and beautifully ripe wines with good concentration without any loss of acidity on the palate. Excellent cellaring potential.

Tasting Note

Vaudesir always produces wines of great finesse. Pale yellow hue with clear, green glimmers. The complex nose reveals delicate aromas of white flowers (acacia and lime blossom), lime and camomile. The palate is well-structured, with energy from the offset, and a wonderfully seductive finish.

Food Pairing

Fillet of sea bream, roast pork in honey, lobster.

Serving Suggestion

10°C to 12 °C

Chablis, France
100% Chardonnay
Cork
13%
Yes
Yes

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