Chardonnay.
Visual: A very clear gold.
Nose: Exuberant, with aromas of vanilla and mocha coffee with exotic undertones.
Palate: Full-bodied and long on the palate, this wine offers vibrant notes of yellow fruits like pear and apricot, with a hint of honey on the finish. Lively and fleshy, it shows excellent aging potential.
This wine is excellent paired with smoked salmon, trout and other freshwater fish, as well as with white meats and creamy cheeses.
Serve ideally at a temperature of 12-14°C. (54-57°F.).
This wine can be enjoyed now or kept in the cellar for the next five years.
Chablis, situated near Auxerre in the Yonne department, is among the northernmost vineyards of Burgundy. The appellation has 40 climats classified as premiers crus, including 17 main ones. Located on the left bank of the Serein river, in the southwest of the Chablis region, the 105 hectares of Premier Cru Vaillons vines enjoy particularly favourable exposure and the wines are well deserving of their excellent reputation.
Latin provides the answer: etymologically, vallis or valles mean "a large space between two areas". Spelled "Valion" in a document dating from 1429, Vaillons ultimately derives its name from this notion of small valley.
The grapes were brought in as musts and underwent a slow pneumatic pressing followed by a very cold static settling before alcoholic fermentation, which lasted 10 days in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks (18 to 20°C).
After 3 days, 15% of the juice was racked into barrels. Aged for 18 months on its lees, with frequent pumping over. 100% malolactic fermentation. Light filtration before bottling.
The ideal weather conditions in Burgundy in 2023, characterised by a favourable spring, a hot summer with cool nights, moderate rainfall and an early autumn harvest, played a key role in the high yields and exceptional quality of the grapes at harvest time.
The white wines are distinguished by their elegance, complexity and liveliness. Subtle aromas of white fruit, citrus and floral notes add to their remarkable freshness.
The red wines are powerful and well-balanced, with aromas of red and black fruit, as well as spicy and mineral nuances. The silky tannins add an elegant structure, promising harmonious ageing.
In short, these are expressive, fruity wines with very fine aromatic profiles.