Bernard Defaix Chablis 1er Cru Montee de Tonnerre 2020

Montée de Tonnerre is the premier cru most often held to sit closest in quality to the grand crus, and it lies across the Serein from Domaine Bernard Defaix's home slope at Milly.

The vineyard is on the right bank of the river, separated from the grand cru Blanchot by no more than a small valley, and it shares the same Kimmeridgian marl and broadly the same south-westerly aspect - which is why its wines carry more weight and a longer finish than most premiers crus of the appellation. Bernard Defaix, himself the fourth generation of a growing family, set up on his own account in 1959 with two hectares at Milly, below the Côte de Léchet. His two sons took over during the 1990s, Sylvain in the cellar and Didier in the vineyard, with Didier's wife Hélène running the office, and the domaine now farms around twenty-seven hectares of Petit Chablis, Chablis and premier cru. The vineyards were converted to organic farming in 2009 and are certified by Ecocert, with biodynamic preparations such as horn manure and herbal teas used alongside. Fermentation is in stainless steel or in oak according to the cuvée, followed by eight to twelve months on fine lees.

Best given two or three years and good for eight to ten. Serve at 10-12°C with grilled king prawns, roast chicken or a plate of Comté.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.