Premier Cru Vaillons Domaine
The vintage
2024 was a vintage that left a lasting impression. After a particularly mild February, March continued to be mild with very wet conditions. April brought two nights of frost and a first episode of hail, which was not serious. A very heavy hailstorm struck the Chablis vineyards on 1 May, severely affecting the left bank. May and June saw very fluctuating temperatures, which slowed down flowering, while alternating rain and thunderstorms led to high mildew pressure. Hail struck again at the end of July, giving way to a drier and warmer August. September began mildly, allowing the grapes to ripen. The harvest began on 20 September in good conditions. The quality was there, but this succession of climatic hazards had a significant impact on volumes.
Location
Appellation of 129 hectares located on the left bank of the Serein. On the Côte des Vaillons, there are 8 different localities that can claim this appellation.
Terroir
Here, the soil is more limestone-rich than clayey, resting on a hard, compact, and highly fissured Portlandian limestone (a soil covering the Kimmeridgian). The plots cover 3.65 hectares oriented southeast, mainly in the lieux-dits of Vaillons, Châtains, Mélinots, and Roncières.
Winemaking
Application of the principle of gravity to avoid any pumping, which could alter the quality of the wine. Short-duration pneumatic pressing (1h30 to 2h00) for a delicate separation between the solid and liquid parts of the grapes. Very light static settling to retain enough fine lees for the alcoholic and malolactic fermentations to occur naturally. The vinifications are carried out in stainless steel vats. Aging lasts 18 months, including 5 to 6 months on fine lees in French oak barrels for 25% of the blend. The aging process finishes in small stainless steel tanks.
Grapes
Tasting
Pronounced nose of fruit and flowers with beautiful freshness and some mineral touches.
Generous and refined palate, with a beautiful roundness.
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