Chablis Premier Cru CDO - Fourchaume - William Fèvre - 2022

Food and wine pairing: The Chablis Premier Cru Fourchaume 2022 pairs perfectly with seafood, oysters, grilled fish, goat cheese, or even richer, cream-based dishes like poultry in cream sauce.

Year: 2022

Taste: On the palate, this wine is elegant and precise. It reveals a beautiful structure with invigorating acidity and a marked minerality. The texture is fine and silky, with a long and persistent finish, featuring a subtle saline note that recalls its origin. The nose is complex and refined, with fresh aromas of white fruits (apple, pear), white flowers, and mineral notes of flint, typical of Chablis terroirs. Hints of citrus and a light salinity also emerge.

Tasting: 11/12°

Alcohol volume: 12.5%

The Estate and the Vineyard

William Fèvre Estate is one of the most emblematic and respected producers in the Chablis wine region, located in Burgundy, France. Founded in 1959, this estate has established itself over the decades as a true benchmark in the production of exceptional Chardonnay wines. Here's a detailed description of the estate:

History and Philosophy of the Estate: The estate was founded by William Fèvre, a man passionate about the Chablis terroirs and the production of great white wines. From the outset, his goal was to produce wines that fully express the potential of the Chablis terroir, with an emphasis on freshness, minerality, and the purity of Chardonnay. The estate is now owned by the Fèvre family and is distinguished by its deep respect for tradition while integrating the latest innovations in viticulture and winemaking. It is also known for its ability to reveal the subtle differences between the various Chablis terroirs, thanks to a rigorous and meticulous approach to vineyard and winemaking management.

Vineyards and Terroir: The William Fèvre Estate now owns approximately 78 hectares of vineyards, spread across the best plots of the Chablis appellation. These vineyards are located in Grand Crus, Premier Crus, and classic Chablis, all on exceptional terroirs.

The Chablis terroirs are dominated by clay-limestone soils, rich in fossilized shells and chalk, which give the wines their characteristic minerality and purity. The estate owns plots in prestigious crus such as Les Clos, Vaudésir, Valmur, Fourchaume, Montée de Tonnerre, and many more, allowing the production of wines with unique profiles depending on their geographical origin.

Viticultural Approach: The William Fèvre Estate practices sustainable viticulture, respecting the environment and aiming to preserve the biodiversity of the vineyard while reducing its ecological impact. The vines are cultivated using methods that take into account the nature of the soil, lunar cycles, and climatic influences.

Pruning and vine care are done with great attention to optimize the quality of the grapes while preserving the health of the plants. Yield reduction is a priority to ensure exceptional concentration and intensity of flavors in the grapes.

Vinification and Aging: The winemaking at the William Fèvre Estate is carried out with a constant focus on precision and respect for the fruit. After harvest, the grapes are gently pressed, then fermented in stainless steel vats to preserve the freshness and primary aromas of Chardonnay. Malolactic fermentation is often avoided in the production of Grand Cru wines to maintain vibrant acidity and elegant structure.

Aging is typically done in stainless steel vats or oak barrels (for specific cuvées), always with the goal of not masking the terroir character with the influence of wood. Aging on fine lees for several months adds complexity to the wines while preserving their finesse.

The Wines: The wines produced by the William Fèvre Estate are known for their precision, freshness, and minerality, which are typical of great Chablis. The estate produces a wide range of wines, from classic Chablis to the most prestigious Grand Crus. Here is an overview of the different cuvées:

- Chablis: This entry-level wine, yet of great quality, offers beautiful freshness and white fruit aromas, with a clear structure and excellent minerality.

- Chablis Premier Cru: These wines come from carefully selected plots, offering more depth, richness, and complexity, with more pronounced aromas of white flowers and citrus.

- Chablis Grand Cru: The Grand Crus, such as Les Clos, Vaudésir, and Valmur, are wines of exceptional complexity and longevity. They have great concentration, with aromas of ripe fruits, honey, and minerality, and a long, saline finish.

Recognition and Reputation: The William Fèvre Estate enjoys a global reputation for the quality of its wines. These wines are regularly praised by critics and international tasters and are considered among the most sought-after and respected white wines of the region. The estate’s mastery in expressing the terroir, along with its rigor in winemaking and aging, has made it an essential reference in the world of Chablis

In summary, the William Fèvre Estate embodies both the tradition and innovation of the Chablis region, producing wines of remarkable quality that honor the uniqueness of their terroirs. The wines from this estate offer a unique tasting experience, combining purity, finesse, and complexity.