NATHALIE & GILLES FEVRE Chablis Grand Cru 'Les Preuses' 2021 Bottle
White Still Wine | France | Burgundy | Chablis | 75cl
£69.95
/
£419.70
£398.72 case
Size: 75cl
Closure Type: Cork
Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Sub-Region: Chablis
Wine Style: Full Bodied
Grape: Chardonnay
Description
IN BRIEF
Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses 2021 is an exceptional wine that showcases a stellar terroir, located on an exposed south-west slope that commands views over its prestigious Grands Crus neighbours. The vineyard features soils rich in marl and chalky Kimmeridgian, providing depth for the vines to develop strong root systems. This vintage is harmonious and generous, revealing intricate subtleties when aged in the cellar. Rated 93 points by Decanter, it offers warming aromas of ripe fruit, with notes of marmalade and orange confit, all supported by refreshing acidity. Vinous awards it 91 points, praising its well-defined character and linearity. Ideal for pairing with scallops, grilled lobster, or creamy poultry dishes, this Grand Cru epitomises the elegance of Chablis.
*****
ABOUT THE WINE
This Chablis Grand Cru 'Les Preuses' is located on another exceptional terroir, on an exposed south-west slope, which dominates its Grands Crus neighbours.
Soils composed of a mixture of marl and of chalky Kimmeridgien have more depth, which allow the vines to develop their root systems and benefit from this unique terroir.
The wines are harmonious and generous, but if they are kept the cellar a few years, you will be able to fully appreciate their subtleties and complexities.
According to maturity, perfect with scallops, grilled lobster, crawfish, or in sauce fine fish, but also with poultry or white meats in cream sauce.
DECANTER 93 points
Tasted by: Andy Howard MW
(at Chablis, 17 Oct 2022)
Part of Grand Cru Chablis 2021: top-scoring wines
Drinking Window: 2025 - 2029
UNDER THE RADAR Warming, sunny and ripe fruit on the nose with a touch of marmalade/orange confit on the palate. Good weight, layers of flavour, a fine Preuses which will drink surprisingly well while still relatively young. Acidity is there to keep the whole in check.
VINOUS 91 points
Drinking Window 2024 - 2034
From: Where Art Thou Chablis? - Chablis 2021 & 2022 (Sep 2023)
The 2021 Chablis Les Preuses Grand Cru has a simple nose lacking the complexity of other vintages, though it is well-defined and, with time in the glass, manifests attractive damp moss scents. The palate is well-balanced with fine acidity and peach and orange pith touches. Quite linear and correct, with a conservative finish, leaving you wanting a bit more. One for those seeking more traditional styles of Chablis. - By Neal Martin on July 2023
-----
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.
You may also be interested in
