Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix Chablis Vieilles Vignes 2022

Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix Chablis Vieilles Vignes

Region: Chablis, Burgundy, France

Vintage: 2022

Bottle size: 75cl

Grape: Chardonnay

ABV: 12.5%

Golden yellow in colour, this wine has layered aromas of ripe citrus and stone fruits. On the palate, it has a rich and creamy texture balanced by a mouthwatering acidity and the signature Chablis minerality.

The fruit for the Chablis 'Vieilles Vignes' comes from old vines that are planted on Kimmeridgian marl soils on south and south-east facing slopes. The vines are 45 to 50 years old and produce low yields of exceptionally concentrated fruit.

Upon arrival at the winery, the Chardonnay grapes were gently pressed and then went through a cool fermentation in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts for 3 weeks. Following alcoholic fermentation, malolactic fermentation took place and the wine was then left to age in tank on its fine lees. During this period, monthly bâtonnage (lees stirring) took place for 12 months, which added extra texture and complexity to the wine.

Daniel-Etienne Defaix is the 14th generation of the Defaix family to run this estate, which is believed to be the oldest in Chablis and can trace its origins back to 1610. Daniel-Etienne took over from his father in 1978 and started making wine “as (his) grandfather had done”. This involved keeping the wine in tank for lengthy periods and putting it through a monthly bâtonnage, a practice he still retains. “My grandfather’s generation used to keep the wine for so long in order to protect themselves against frost, to ensure they would always have wine to sell,” he explains. This unique approach to winemaking in Chablis ensures Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix can consistently offer an excellent selection of mature Chablis.

http://www.chablisdefaix.com