Simonnet-Febvre : Chablis 1er cru "Côte de Léchet" 2021

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Chablis Premier Cru "Côte de Léchet" 2021 from Simonnet-Febvre

Tasting

Appearance

The wine shows a pale yellow hue with green citrus highlights, typical of young, mineral Chablis white wines.

Nose

The nose reveals striking mineral purity alongside notes of fresh citrus, notably lime and yuzu. Aromas of crisp flat peach mingle with floral touches of acacia and white flowers. The chalky minerality, the signature of the Kimmeridgian terroir, expresses itself with elegance.

Palate

On the palate, this Premier Cru unveils a sleek, refined structure, driven by remarkable natural acidity. The texture remains airy while offering lovely substance. The lingering minerality coats the palate, leading into a distinctive chalky finish that extends for several seconds after tasting. Overall, it expresses freshness, delicacy, and poised power in harmonious balance.

Food and wine pairings

This Chablis Premier Cru "Côte de Léchet" 2021 is an ideal match for oysters and seafood. It also pairs perfectly with simply prepared delicate white-fleshed fish such as turbot, sole, or sea bass. Delicate white meats in a light sauce, as well as asparagus, also make excellent pairings.

Serving and cellaring

To fully appreciate its qualities, serve this Chablis Premier Cru "Côte de Léchet" 2021 at a temperature between 10 and 12°C. This wine can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve until around 2026.

A precise, mineral Chablis Premier Cru

The estate

Founded in 1840 by Jean Febvre in Chablis in Burgundy, the Simonnet-Febvre House is one of the oldest traditional Chablis houses. Since its acquisition in 2003 by Maison Louis Latour, it has continued its historic know-how. Led by Paul Espitalié since 2019, the house stands out for its long-standing specialization in crafting Crémant de Bourgogne and its commitment to converting its vineyard to organic farming, with the goal of full certification by 2026.

The vineyard

The Climat "Côte de Léchet" lies on the left bank of the Serein, benefiting from a privileged south-east exposure overlooking the village of Milly. The soils are made up of Kimmeridgian clay-limestone, extraordinarily poor and stony, rich in marine fossils. This geological composition gives the wine its distinctive mineral signature. The vines, averaging 35 years of age, are managed with a controlled yield of 58 hectoliters per hectare.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage in northern Burgundy was marked by challenging weather conditions. A late spring frost affected certain vineyards, reducing harvest volumes. Despite these constraints, the remaining grapes benefited from greater concentration. 2021 vintage wines in Chablis are characterized by a certain youthful austerity, pronounced minerality, and remarkable natural acidity.

Winemaking and aging

Winemaking of the Chablis Premier Cru "Côte de Léchet" 2021 begins with alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks between 18 and 20°C. Malolactic fermentation is carried out fully and naturally. Aging takes place on fine lees in stainless-steel tanks for 12 months, allowing for optimal maturation while preserving the wine’s floral and citrus notes. This approach favors a pure expression of the terroir without the use of oak.

Grape variety

100% chardonnay.