William Fèvre : Chablis 1er cru "Vaulorent" Domaine 2019

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Chablis 1er cru "Vaulorent" Domaine 2019 by William Fèvre

Tasting

Appearance

The color reveals a pale yellow hue with golden highlights, bright and clear.

Nose

The nose opens with aromas of citrus fruits and white-fleshed fruit, accompanied by delicate floral notes. Mineral nuances evoking iodine and gunflint gradually emerge, while hints of pastry and white-fleshed fruit such as white peach add complexity.

Palate

On the palate, this wine charms with its silky, enveloping texture, while retaining a lively, refreshing acidity. The body is concentrated, revealing fine density and a signature saline minerality. The finish, long and persistent, leaves a striking iodine impression.

Food and wine pairings

This Chablis Premier Cru pairs perfectly with fresh oysters, seafood, shellfish, or delicate fish simply prepared. It also elegantly complements poultry in cream sauce, fresh goat cheeses, or mushroom-based dishes.

Serving and cellaring

This Chablis 1er cru "Vaulorent" Domaine William Fèvre 2019 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 10 and 12°C. It can be enjoyed now but offers aging potential until around 2050.

A Chablis Premier Cru from Burgundy combining power and minerality

The estate

Domaine William Fèvre, founded in 1959, is now regarded as a benchmark of the Chablis appellation in Burgundy. With a 78-hectare vineyard spread across 90 plots, the estate holds prime positions in the most prestigious terroirs. Since January 2024, the estate has belonged to Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite, who continue the excellence established under the direction of Didier Séguier. A pioneer in organic and biodynamic viticulture, the estate obtained HVE3 certification as early as 2015, becoming the first Chablis estate to receive this environmental distinction.

The vineyard

The Chablis Premier Cru Vaulorent comes from a 3.63-hectare plot located on the right bank of the Serein, on the grand cru hillside. This climat enjoys an exceptional position, directly adjacent to the grand crus Les Preuses and Bougros, earning it the nickname “eighth grand cru”. The terroir rests on Kimmeridgian soils made up of marl limestone particularly rich in Exogyra virgula oyster fossils, dating back to the Jurassic era. This unique geological composition gives the wine its hallmark minerality and remarkable structure. The vines selected for this cuvée are 40 to 50 years old.

The vintage

The 2019 vintage in Chablis was marked by a mild winter followed by a challenging spring, with frosts in April and windy, rainy conditions during flowering, leading to shatter and millerandage. These climatic hazards significantly reduced yields. Summer then proved hot and dry, with two heatwaves in late June and late July, and generous sunshine. Despite high temperatures and rainfall 50% below average, the vines benefited from cool nights and timely rains in mid-August. These conditions allowed for exceptional grape concentration while preserving remarkable acidity, creating a rare balance between power and freshness.

Vinification and aging

The Chablis 1er cru "Vaulorent" Domaine William Fèvre 2019 was harvested by hand in small crates, allowing for rigorous grape selection. After gentle pneumatic pressing and light settling, alcoholic fermentation took place naturally thanks to indigenous yeasts. Malolactic fermentation also occurred spontaneously. The wine was then aged for 14 to 16 months, with 40 to 50% in French oak barrels averaging six years of age, the remainder staying in stainless-steel tanks. Aging on fine lees with regular stirring brought complexity and a creamy texture to the wine.

Grape variety

100% Chardonnay