Domaine Billaud-Simon is renowned for producing some of the best wines in Chablis, long recognised for their steely, mineral style. Domaine Billaud Simon owns 20 hectares of vineyards in some of the best areas in Chablis. Most of the domaine’s wines see no oak at all, apart from the Premier Cru Mont de Milieu which is 40% vinified in oak and the Grand Cru Les Blanchots, which is 100% vinified in oak.
Vaillons is derived from the term ‘vallon’, meaning ‘small valley’. The term ‘valson’ was also used previously. ‘Vaillons’ originates from the Latin vallis or valles meaning an ‘elongated area between two raised zones’.
Total surface area: 15 ha / Surface area of our parcel: 2 ha 95 a
Soils: Very pebbly clay-limestone colluvial deposits on a kimmeridgian subsoil
Exposure: Right bank. South, South-West
Grape variety: Chardonnay
Hand harvested in order to preserve the quality of the fruit. The grapes are sorted manually on a vibrating sorting table in order to retain only the most healthy fruit. The grapes are drained naturally before being pressed using a pneumatic press in order to gently extract the juices and conserve as much aroma as possible. Static cold settling of the musts for 12 to 24 hours in stainless steel vats in order to obtain a bright, clear juice. Alcoholic fermentation followed by malolactic fermentation, both natural, in stainless steel vats. 14 to 16 months in stainless steel vats with, if necessary, some time spent in French oak barrels. The ageing process preserves freshness and minerality whilst bringing complexity and body to the wine. The wine is racked twice before being bottled in the end of Autumn.
The winter of 2022 was relatively mild, with average rainfall levels. Early April saw some frosts, thankfully the vines didn’t suffer any damage. Bud burst occurred in early April and flowering began around the 20th May. The wide temperature ranges in June (very cold in the early part of the month and then dry and warm in mid-June) prolonged the flowering period. Summer was very hot and dry, a small rain storm in late July and again in mid-August saved the vintage, with the vines not having to suffer drought and ripen in great condition.
The harvest began on the 1st September with Les Vaillons, Fourchaume, and Vaulorent Premiers Crus, then moving on to Chablis Grands Crus Blanchots, Les Preuses, and Les Clos, as well as Premier Cru ‘Montée de Tonnerre. Chablis Grand Cru Vaudésir was picked on the 7th and harvest came to a close on the 9th September with ‘Mont de Milieu’ Premier Cru and Chablis village. Overall, the weather was excellent during the harvest aside from a few rainy spells, which facilitated the extraction of the juices as the grape skins were softer.
This was the first growing season that followed fully organic principles and officially requested to start the conversion to certified organic.
The 2022 harvests in figures: 9 days of cutting, 30 pickers, 34 parcels harvested.
This 1er Cru lies to the south-west of Chablis and is the most floral and delicate of the 1er Crus. With remarkable aromatic complexity, apple blossom, jasmine and ripe citrus fruit. The palate is bright, pure, with depth and complexity, and has a lifted finish.
Pan-fried foie gras, salmon trout, baked haddock parcels.
10°C to 12 °C
92 Points – Tim Atkin MW
Chablis, France
100% Chardonnay
Cork
12.5
Yes
Yes
