Grand Cru Bougros "Côte Bouguerots" Domaine
The vintage
The beginning of the year was marked by very little rainfall, particularly in February. After a mild winter, budburst occurred around 25 March, 8 days earlier than the average for the last 20 years. At the beginning of April, frost episodes as low as -4°C were recorded in Chablis without causing any damage. May continued to be cool, with a hailstorm on the 8th and cold mornings (0 to 2°C) accompanied by strong winds around mid-May. The weather began to warm up from 22 May onwards, and the first flowers appeared at the beginning of June in the Grands Crus. The summer that followed was hot and dry, with several heatwaves. The old vines with well-established root systems fared better than the younger plants, which suffered from the weather conditions. Rain did not arrive until the end of the harvest. The harvest began on 11 September in very hot weather. The grapes were a lovely golden colour, rather small, with excellent ripeness and good acidity.
Location
Appellation of 12.62 hectares at the western tip of the Côte des Grands Crus. With a very steep slope of more than 30%, this Bougros terroir benefits from a south-facing exposure at the foot of the hillside, maximizing solar radiation. The appellation produces complex and vigorous wines.
Terroir
A mix of clay and stones, over a shallow soil. This terroir structure naturally limits the vigor of the vines and, consequently, the yields of the plots. The plots cover 6.23 hectares, representing 49% of the total appellation, including 2.11 hectares in "Côte Bouguerots" with a due south exposure at the foot of the slope.
Winemaking
Application of the principle of gravity to avoid any pumping, which could alter the quality of the wine. Short-duration pneumatic pressing (1.5 to 2 hours) for a delicate separation between the solid and liquid parts of the grapes. The vinifications are carried out in stainless steel vats. Aging lasts 19 months, including 5 to 6 months on fine lees in French oak barrels for 40% of the blend. The aging process finishes in small stainless steel tanks.
Grapes
Tasting
Complex and mineral bouquet, with a powerful and dense structure, accompanied by a pleasant roundness.
