NATHALIE & GILLES FEVRE Chablis 1er Cru 'Vaulorent' 2022/23 Bottle
White Still Wine | France | Burgundy | Chablis | 75cl
£42.95
/
£257.70
£244.82 case
ABV: 13%
Size: 75cl
Closure Type: Cork
Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Sub-Region: Chablis
Wine Style: Crisp and Dry White
Grape: Chardonnay
Description
IN BRIEF
Nathalie & Gilles Févré Chablis 1er Cru 'Vaulorent' 2022 is an exceptional wine that showcases a unique terroir. This 2.2-hectare Premier Cru vineyard, planted between 1955 and 1975 and located beside the Grands Crus, offers great fullness comparable to Fourchaume, along with the charm and elegance of top-quality wines. The wine exhibits a vibrant pale yellow colour and an expressive bouquet of citrus, green apple, and floral notes. Aged on fine lees for a minimum of 12 months, with 20% in new oak barrels, it presents a fruity, lightly toasty character complemented by mineral precision. This versatile wine pairs beautifully with seafood platters, mushroom dishes, and cheeses like goat cheese or Beaufort, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.
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ABOUT THE WINE
This Premier Cru 'Vaulorent' (2.2ha) planted between 1955 and 1975 is situated just beside the Grands Crus, it is considered to be a unique terroir. This wine has great fullness, the same as the 1ers crus Fourchaume, with the added charm and elegance of top quality wines.
Vinification and ageing on fine lees during 12 months (minimum): for 20% in oak (new barrels) and the rest in air-conditioned stainless steel tanks. Bottling and storage in air-conditioned cellar before shipping. Fruity, lightly toasty, round and mineral.
It will be perfect with sea food platters (natural, grilled or more elaborated), also mushroom based platters, and also excellent with veal platters or cheese (goat cheese or Beaufort or local cheese: Soumaintrain).
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ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Nathalie & Gilles Févré is a respected wine estate located in the Chablis region of Burgundy, France. Known for its high-quality Chardonnay wines, the domaine has gained a strong reputation for producing expressive and terroir-driven wines. With vineyards situated in some of the finest crus of Chablis, Nathalie and Gilles Févré emphasize sustainable farming practices to maintain the health of their vines and the integrity of the terroir.
The estate’s winemaking approach reflects a commitment to traditional methods while embracing modern techniques. Fermentation is carried out in stainless steel and some oak, allowing for a harmonious balance between freshness and complexity. The wines are characterized by vibrant acidity, minerality, and intricate flavors, which are hallmarks of the Chablis style.
Nathalie & Gilles Févré produce a range of wines, including Chablis, Chablis 1er Cru, and Chablis Grand Cru, each showcasing the unique characteristics of their respective vineyard sites. The wines are praised for their elegance, purity, and aging potential, making them highly sought after by wine enthusiasts and collectors alike. With a passion for their craft and a deep respect for their land, Nathalie and Gilles Févré continue to honor the rich heritage of Chablis winemaking while contributing to its exciting future.
BURGUNDY 2021
The growing season of 2021 presented numerous challenges, including frost, rain, mildew, rot, and hail. We were initially hesitant about the potential quality of the vintage, given these adverse conditions. However, upon tasting the wines, we were pleasantly surprised to find that they had gained depth and weight since the spring. Our tasting notes consistently highlighted bright, fresh, pure, delicate, perfumed, and energetic characteristics, with distinct terroir differences.
One of the growers mentioned that in the past, one in every five vintages was a "hot" year, while currently, the reverse is true, with one in five vintages being a "cool" year. A mild winter and warm March led to early vine growth, with budbreak occurring in April. However, the region was hit by a severe frost that affected even the sloped areas, which are typically spared in spring frosts. The frost caused the vines to shut down for about three weeks, leading to reduced yields, particularly in the Cote du Beaune, which saw a reduction of 65-80%, while the Cote du Nuit experienced a 50% reduction.
Disease pressure grew in the vineyards during the cooler and wet early summer, with mildew and odium further diminishing the yield. The month preceding harvest brought dry and warm weather, which greatly aided the harvest. Harvest took place in mid-September, a full month later than in 2020. Alexandrine Roy shared the following image, to demonstrate the high quality of grapes, with patient and thorough sorting both in the vineyard and at the sorting table.
The use of new oak varied significantly in 2021, with some growers opting for no new oak. It was difficult for some growers who make wines in small amounts to keep the usual ratios of oak, as the quantities were so small. Whole bunch use was lower than usual for the red wines, as growers sought to avoid extracting bitterness from unripe stems. Pump overs were used more frequently than punch downs. Experienced growers, who took their foot off the pedal and expressed what the vintage gave them succeeded.
The small yields of 2021 resulted in naturally concentrated wines, with the whites exhibiting intense citrus and floral aromas, and the reds displaying bright, light bodies and lovely perfumes. Both the white and red wines are highly seductive and ready to drink straight from the barrel. Due to the low yields, prices have increased. Allocating these wines will be difficult, but we are fortunate to have the excellent 2022 vintage in both yield and quality to follow.
