Simonnet-Febvre : Chablis 1er cru "Vaillons" 2021

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Chablis Premier Cru "Vaillons" 2021 from Simonnet-Febvre

Tasting

Color

The color reveals a pale yellow hue with green-gold highlights, bright and clear.

Nose

The nose unveils a complex, delicate bouquet dominated by notes of white flowers, complemented by a pronounced chalky minerality. Aromas of fresh citrus, notably lemon and pink grapefruit, mingle with subtle hints of white-fleshed fruits such as white peach and pear. The minerality evokes damp chalk, the hallmark of the Kimmeridgian terroir.

Palate

On the palate, the attack is powerful and fresh. The wine shows a lively acidity that brings precision and lift to the tasting. Flavors of citrus, green pear and candied lemon are accompanied by a persistent saline sensation. The structure offers a medium-bodied frame with lovely generosity. The finish lingers on a distinctive mineral note that persists for several seconds, round and seductive, without harshness.

Food and wine pairings

This Chablis Premier Cru "Vaillons" 2021 is an ideal match for seafood, notably oysters and steamed lobster. It pairs perfectly with grilled fish such as salmon or swordfish, as well as with white meats in sauce. Fresh goat cheeses also make a harmonious pairing.

Serving and cellaring

It is recommended to serve this Chablis Premier Cru "Vaillons" 2021 at a temperature between 10 and 12°C. This wine can be enjoyed now but will continue to evolve through around 2026.

The freshness and richness of a Chablis Premier Cru

The estate

Founded in 1840 by Jean Febvre, a cooper from Montbard, the Simonnet-Febvre House embodies rare expertise in producing prestigious white wines from Chablis. Acquired in 2003 by Maison Louis Latour, the estate benefited from a complete renovation of its facilities while preserving its distinctive identity. Since 2019, Paul Espitalié has led the domaine with a philosophy focused on expressing the terroir and sustainable viticulture. Simonnet-Febvre remains the only producer in Chablis to have perpetuated, since its origins, the production of sparkling wines using the traditional method.

The vineyard

The Climat Vaillons, located on the left bank of the Serein River, enjoys a particularly favorable southwesterly exposure. This 129-hectare terroir rests on Kimmeridgian limestone subsoil enriched with marine fossils dating back more than 180 million years, with a lower clay content than the Climats on the right bank. The slope ranges from a marked incline to the west to a gentler slope toward the east, creating a diversity of micro-terroirs. Generous sunlight, especially in the morning, allows the grapes to reach optimal ripeness while retaining the signature freshness of Chablis. The vines used to produce this wine have an average age of 35 years.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage began with challenges linked to spring frost, which affected vineyards across France with rare intensity. Milder spring conditions then encouraged flowering at the end of May. June and July were particularly rainy, followed by weather instability from mid-July to mid-August. Despite this difficult start, the gradual unfolding of the growing season helped offset these hazards, resulting in a vintage defined by exquisite freshness, pronounced minerality and remarkable precision.

Vinification and aging

The grapes for the Chablis Premier Cru "Vaillons" 2021 were vinified in stainless-steel tanks at precisely controlled temperatures, ranging between 17 and 21°C, in order to preserve delicate aromatic compounds. The wine rested on its fine lees for 12 months, a period that allows slight interaction with yeast components, enhancing organoleptic complexity and reinforcing texture. This approach favors the fullest expression of the minerality and freshness characteristic of this Burgundian terroir, without the use of new oak barrel aging.

Grape variety

100% Chardonnay