Varietal

100% Chardonnay.

Tasting notes

Pale gold in colour.
Open nose reminiscent of fruit, hazelnut and white flowers.
Round and powerful on the palate. Buttery with flavours of citrus zest and toasted almond.

Food and wine pairing

Perfect with all fish and shellfish as well as with white meats.

Serving suggestions

Serve ideally at a temperature of 14°C. (57°F.).

Ageing potential

4 to 6 years.

Origin

34 hectares are classified under the Premier Cru Fourchaume appellation.

Located in the commune of La Chapelle- Vaulpelteigne, just to the north of the hillside containing all of the Grands Crus, this is a jewel among the Premiers Crus. Due to its international reputation, the wines from the subparcels is often sold under the Fourchaume name. In fact, Fourchaume is one of the "Climats porte drapeau" (flag-bearer climates) grouping together those of L'Homme Mort, Vaulorent, Côte de Fontenay and Vaupulent.

The slope is regular with south-western exposure, and is located in the valley of Fontenay-près-Chablis to the northeast of Chablis. Gentle slopes overlying Kimmeridgian marls.

Vinification and maturing

- some of the grapes were brought in in 15-kg crates
- pneumatic pressing
- cold static settling of the juice
- alcoholic fermentation began in stainless steel tanks after 3 days, 5% of the juice was transferred to fine-grained 1 to 2-year-old barrels where it continued alcoholic fermentation with weekly stirring the remaining juice was fermented in stainless steel tanks for 7 to 10 days under controlled temperatures (18 to 20°C) in order to preserve as much fruit as possible
- 100% malolactic fermentation
- aged on fine lees for 9 months

Vintage : 2009

Winter had been harsh and dry and vine stocks pruning took place in cold and sound conditions. In April temperatures increased as well as precipitations and auspicious weather conditions allowed an optimum budding-out. Late May the growth cycle was 10 days in advance compare to 2008 and full flowering was reached by the 10th of June. If July is marked with dampness - 20% precipitation more than normal – August is one of the warmest since several years and veraison is complete as early as the 15th. September being warm and dry; grapes naturally increase their degree of alcohol from 1 to 1,5% per week. The first grapes were pressed on the 14th. The persistent beautiful weather gave to the less early parcels the chance to come to ripeness. Therefore the last grapes were harvested in the same very healthy conditions than the first ones and arrived to the winery on the 24th of September. A very promising vintage!