Billaud-Simon : Chablis 1er cru "Les Vaillons" 2023

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for the Chablis 1er Cru "Les Vaillons" 2023 from Billaud-Simon

Tasting

Appearance
The wine reveals a brilliant, limpid robe with golden highlights, a testament to the ripeness of the fruit and the precision of the ageing.

Nose
The nose stands out for its beautiful aromatic complexity, dominated by ripe citrus and white flowers, complemented by nuances of white fruit and a mineral touch reminiscent of flint.

Palate
The attack is lively and energetic, giving way to a round, seductive palate carried by delicate acidity and pronounced salinity. The long, mouthwatering finish extends the notes of citrus and stone, the signature of the Les Vaillons terroir.

Food and Wine Pairing

This Chablis 1er Cru is ideally suited to fine fish and shellfish prepared in a butter or cream sauce, such as a noble fish served with herb butter or a shellfish coulis. It also pairs well with delicate poultry, particularly alongside pan-seared foie gras or fine charcuterie accompanied by sweet vegetables. As for cheeses, it will be at home alongside fresh or lightly aged cheeses. Finally, it can surprise when served with fruit or citrus desserts, such as a lemon tart.

Serving and Cellaring

The Chablis 1er Cru "Les Vaillons" 2023 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 10 and 12°C as an aperitif, and slightly warmer, around 13-14°C, when served at the table with a meal.

A Chablis Premier Cru True to the Minerality and Tension of the Les Vaillons Terroir

The Estate

Founded in 1815 by Charles Louis Noël Billaud in Chablis, in Burgundy, Billaud-Simon grew during the 20th century thanks to the union of the Billaud and Simon families. Owned by the Faiveley family since 2014, it is now managed independently by estate manager and winemaker Olivier Bailly. The estate farms approximately 17 hectares spread across four Grands Crus and four Premiers Crus, with viticulture now practised organically. Billaud-Simon is recognised as one of the most reliable historic names in Chablis, producing precise, mineral Chardonnays.

The Vineyard

The plot from which this Chablis Premier Cru originates is located in the Les Vaillons climat, on the left bank of the Serein, within the commune of Chablis. It extends over a south/south-west-facing slope, on very stony clay-limestone soils enriched with colluvial deposits, resting on a Kimmeridgian subsoil rich in marine fossils. The vines, with an average age of around 50 years, are farmed according to the principles of organic viticulture.

The Vintage

The 2023 vintage unfolded within the semi-continental climate typical of Chablis, where Chardonnay ripens slowly. These conditions allowed good ripeness to be achieved on the Les Vaillons plot, yielding healthy grapes while preserving the grape variety's natural freshness.

Winemaking and Ageing

The grapes destined for the Chablis 1er Cru "Les Vaillons" 2023 are hand-harvested, carefully sorted and then gently pressed. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, a material also favoured for ageing to preserve the purity and tension of the wine, complemented by a discreet use of old oak. Ageing continues on the lees for several months before bottling.

Grape Variety

100% Chardonnay.