Domaine Bernard Defaix Chablis 1er Cru Côte de Léchet 2017

Côte de Léchet is the heart of this estate's holdings — eight hectares of it, their largest single parcel, on the slope directly above Milly.

Chablis lies far to the north of the rest of Burgundy, closer to Champagne than to the Côte d'Or, and its Chardonnay is shaped by Kimmeridgian marl and a cold continental climate. Côte de Léchet runs along the left bank of the Serein, facing south-east on thin, sharply drained soil over hard limestone, which gives a tighter and more mineral style than the fuller right-bank premiers crus. Domaine Bernard Defaix has been based in Milly, immediately below the hill, for four generations, and is run now by the brothers Didier and Sylvain, vineyards and cellar respectively, across about 27 hectares; this is their signature wine. Organic conversion began in 2008 here and in their Rully holdings, certified by Ecocert, though certification lapsed in 2016 when mildew pressure forced conventional treatment. Fermentation is on natural yeasts, with malolactic following of its own accord.

Drink from two years and hold for up to ten. Serve at 10-12°C with oysters, grilled flathead or a goat's cheese salad.

*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.