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

Characteristics and Tasting Recommendations of the Chablis 1er cru "Vaulorent" Domaine 2023 by William Fèvre

Tasting

Nose
Ample, the nose combines fragrances of citrus and white-fleshed fruits with a minerality characteristic of the appellation.

Palate
Seductive in richness and concentration, the palate harmoniously marries freshness and persistence.

The Structure and Refinement of a Chablis 1er Cru by William Fèvre

The Estate

Founded in 1959, Domaine William Fèvre has established itself as one of the major figures of the Chablis appellation. With its recognized expertise, it joined the Henriot group in 1998, further reinforcing its position among Burgundy’s great names.

Today, the estate oversees an exceptional 78-hectare vineyard, including 15.9 hectares classified as Premier Cru and 15.2 hectares as Grand Cru. Since 2015, this mosaic of over 90 parcels has been certified HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale), attesting to the estate’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally respectful viticulture.

The Vineyard

The "Vaulorent" cuvée comes from a 3.63-hectare plot, ideally facing southeast/southwest. The soil, composed of deep marls and a subsoil rich in oyster fossils, imparts to this white wine from Bourgogne the chiseled minerality that defines great Chablis. This unique terroir, located in the immediate vicinity of the Grands Crus, stands out for its complexity and aromatic richness.

The Vintage

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

Winemaking and Aging

This Chablis 1er cru is made following a gentle approach, with gravity-fed winemaking without pumping and a short pneumatic pressing. After a light settling, fermentations take place naturally in stainless steel tanks, followed by 19 months of aging, including 5 to 6 months on the lees in French oak barrels for 40% of the cuvée. The end of the aging is carried out in stainless steel tanks.

Grape Variety

100% Chardonnay.