Simonnet-Febvre : Chablis 1er cru "Côte de Léchet" 2020

Characteristics and tasting advice for Simonnet-Febvre's Chablis Premier Cru "Côte de Léchet" 2020

Tasting

Color

Pale gold with green highlights, the color reflects the wine’s youth and freshness.

Nose

The bouquet reveals an intense mineral expression reminiscent of flint and crushed chalk. Aromas of white flowers mingle with notes of citrus and dried fruits, creating an aromatic profile of great purity.

Palate

The palate stands out for its power and remarkable tension. A mineral backbone structures the whole, carried by vibrant acidity that gives the wine a linear energy. The lingering finish reveals chalky nuances characteristic of the Kimmeridgian terroir.

Food and wine pairings

This Chablis Premier Cru pairs perfectly with oysters, seafood, or a shellfish platter. It also complements grilled fish, chicken in a cream sauce, or aged goat cheeses with elegance.

Serving and cellaring

This Chablis Premier Cru "Côte de Léchet" 2020 is ideally enjoyed at a temperature between 10 and 12°C. It can be enjoyed now or cellared until around 2027 to develop further complexity.

A mineral, powerful Chablis Premier Cru

The estate

Founded in 1840 by Jean Febvre, a master cooper from Montbard, the House of Simonnet-Febvre is one of Chablis’ historic producers. Acquired in 2003 by Maison Louis Latour, it is now led by Paul Espitalié, an oenologist trained in Toulouse. The estate stands out as the only producer in Chablis to have upheld, since its creation, the tradition of making sparkling wines using the traditional method. Committed to a conversion to organic farming, Simonnet-Febvre shines across the various appellations of Chablis and the Grand Auxerrois.

The vineyard

The Chablis Premier Cru "Côte de Léchet" comes from parcels on the left bank of the Serein, benefiting from a particularly favorable south-easterly exposure. Kimmeridgian soils, made up of limestone and clay rich in marine fossils, give the wine its distinctive mineral signature. The Chardonnay vines, around 35 years old, take root in this poor, stony terroir that naturally limits yields to 58 hectoliters per hectare, thereby promoting aromatic concentration.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage is defined by its sunny, generous profile. The year’s climatic conditions yielded grapes with excellent ripeness while preserving remarkable acidic tension. This balance between richness and freshness defines the identity of the vintage, which expresses the character of the terroir with intensity.

Vinification and aging

The Chablis Premier Cru "Côte de Léchet" 2020 is vinified in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, preserving the fruit’s aromatic purity and the terroir’s mineral expression. Aging takes place on fine lees for 12 to 15 months, bringing complexity and texture to the wine without the use of oak. This approach highlights the authenticity of the terroir and the hallmark freshness of Burgundy wines.

Grape variety

Chardonnay (100 %).