William Fèvre : Chablis 1er cru "Montmains" Domaine 2023

Characteristics and Tasting Advice for the Chablis Premier Cru "Montmains" Domaine 2023 by William Fèvre

Tasting

This vintage charms with its structure, precision, concentration, and freshness.

A Chablis Premier Cru Combining Balance and Minerality

The Estate

Founded in the 19th century, the Domaine William Fèvre was revitalized in 1959 by William Fèvre, who acquired prestigious parcels in Chablis. In 2024, it joined the DBR Lafite group, enhancing its prestige. Located in Bourgogne, the estate spans 78 hectares, a large part of which is classified as Grand and Premier Crus, with unique Kimmeridgian soils. Exclusively dedicated to chardonnay, the estate stands out for its traditional viticultural practices and its commitment to expressing the terroir of Chablis.

The Vineyard

The Chablis Premier Cru Montmains comes from an exceptional Bourgogne terroir located on the left bank of the Serein. The estate’s 3.69 hectares of vines, facing southeast, are divided among the lieux-dits Montmains, Butteaux, and Forêt. These vines benefit from fairly deep soils resting on an aerated Kimmeridgian subsoil, characteristic of Chablis, composed of marl and clay-limestone. This particular geology gives the wine its characteristic minerality and tension.

The Vintage

The 2023 vintage experienced a contrasting climate with a mild winter, harmless frosts, and a summer alternating between heat and rain. Despite significant sanitary pressure in June, well managed by the teams, the September harvest yielded generous volumes and grapes in excellent condition.

Winemaking and Aging

This Chablis 1er cru is crafted using a gentle approach, with gravity-fed winemaking without pumping and a brief pneumatic pressing. After a light settling, fermentations take place naturally in stainless steel tanks, followed by 18 months of aging, including 5 to 6 months on lees in French oak barrels for 30% of the cuvée. The aging is completed in stainless steel tanks.

Grape Variety

100% chardonnay.