William Fèvre : Chablis Grand cru "Bougros Côte Bouguerots" Domaine 2020

Characteristics and tasting notes for William Fèvre's Chablis 2020

Tasting

Colour
The glass reveals a pale golden-yellow hue, subtly illuminated by delicate green highlights.

Nose
Displaying great finesse, the aromatic bouquet opens with notes of fresh citrus such as lemon and grapefruit, harmoniously blended with white fruit aromas like pear and peach. Light touches of white flowers intertwine with a pronounced minerality, evoking gunflint and wet stones.

Palate
The palate offers a silky texture and lovely suppleness, perfectly balanced by lively, refreshing acidity. The fruity flavours perceived on the nose are confirmed, enhanced by a strong mineral imprint and a persistent salinity. The finish proves long, precise and full of energy.

Food and wine pairing

This white wine pairs wonderfully with seafood, particularly oysters, langoustines or simply prepared lobster. It also pairs perfectly with delicate fish, whether served raw as tartare, grilled or coated in a light white wine sauce.

Service and storage

To fully appreciate this 2020 vintage, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 10 and 12°C, ideally after aerating for around twenty minutes. Although very approachable in its youth, this wine has remarkable aging potential and will continue to evolve in the cellar for about twenty years.

The mineral purity of a Chablis wine crafted by William Fèvre

The estate

Founded in 1959 from a family legacy, the William Fèvre estate is an emblematic figure of Burgundy. Located on the historic terroirs of the appellation, the estate has distinguished itself through its absolute respect for the vine and its pioneering environmental approach. Led by Didier Séguier since 1998, the estate was acquired in January 2024 by Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite. This new owner continues the estate's philosophy of excellence, aiming to express the full purity and minerality of the region's great white wines.

The vineyard

The estate spans 78 hectares divided into 90 plots, offering a unique mosaic at the heart of the Chablis appellation. The vines dedicated to this cuvée, around fifty years old, are deeply rooted in Kimmeridgian soil composed of marl and clay-limestone rich in small marine fossils. A pioneer in sustainable development, the vineyard is certified High Environmental Value level 3 and is pursuing its complete conversion to organic farming. Biodiversity is actively encouraged through the planting of orchards, the installation of beehives and the practice of eco-grazing.

The vintage

The year 2020 stands out for its particularly early growing cycle. Following a mild, humid winter, budbreak occurred around two weeks ahead of schedule. The vines then had to contend with several episodes of spring frost in March, April and May. Flowering took place under good conditions before giving way to a hot, dry summer. Some timely rainfall in August allowed the berries to complete their ripening ahead of a harvest that began at the end of the month under excellent sanitary conditions.

Winemaking and aging

After manual harvesting and rigorous sorting, the grapes undergo a short, gentle pneumatic pressing. Light settling allows the fine lees to be retained for natural fermentations. To preserve the wine's full freshness, vinification takes place in small stainless steel tanks. Aging then continues for eight to ten months, mostly in stainless steel tanks, while a tiny proportion of around 5% ages in old French oak barrels for five to six months so as not to mask the expression of the terroir.

Grape variety

Chardonnay (100%).