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.
For over 10 years, this prestige cuvée has been produced from the Domaine’s very best parcels planted in the village appellation. They are situated next to the Premiers and Grands Crus. In order to emphasize the care taken when producing this wine, we have created a special packaging for the fagship of the Domaine.
Soils: Kimméridgien
Grape variety: Chardonnay
Exposure: Right Bank. South – South/East
Average age of the vines: 28 years
The grapes are harvested by hand in order to preserve their quality and keep them intact. They are then pressed using a pneumatic press in order to extract juices that are rich in aromas. The musts are then settled at cold temperatures during one night before being vinified in stainless steel vats in order to preserve their clarity and brightness. The alcoholic and malolactic fermentations are left to take place naturally. The wine is then aged for 12 months with a short period spent in French oak barrels for around 20% of the cuvée, as is the case for our Grands Crus, in order to impart complexity and richness.
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.
Perfumed bouquet of pressed white flowers, ripe granny smith apple and soft inviting spices. The palate shows plenty of acidity, coupled with a lovely roundness from the 20% oak ageing. Lots of ripe apples, touches of dried exotic fruit and an energetic finish.
Baked fsh parcels, grilled sole, roasted cod loin.
10°C to 12 °C
92 Points Andy Howard MW – Decanter
Chablis, France
100% Chardonnay
Cork
12
Yes
Yes
