La Chablisienne : Chablis 1er cru "Montmains" 2021

Tasting Notes and Serving Suggestions for La Chablisienne’s Chablis 1er Cru "Montmains" 2021

Tasting

Color
Pale yellow with golden highlights, this wine stands out for its brilliance and clarity.

Nose
Initially discreet, the bouquet gradually reveals grilled and toasty notes. With aeration, it gains indulgent nuances of buttery brioche, alongside aromas of fresh herbs, white fruits, and peach. Hints of citrus and lime round out this complex aromatic profile.

Palate
The attack is fresh and lively, driven by tangy fruits. The palate shows a fine balance between mineral tension, richness, and hallmark salinity. The texture is supple and concentrated, with intensity building through the mid-palate. The long, energetic finish fully expresses the minerality of the Kimmeridgian terroir, leaving a lasting impression of complexity.

Food and Wine Pairings

This Chablis 1er Cru "Montmains" 2021 is best enjoyed as an aperitif with jambon persillé. It also pairs wonderfully with puff pastry snails, ham Chablisienne-style, seafood preparations, delicate tempura fish, poultry, or aged cheeses.

Serving and Cellaring

This wine offers good aging potential. It is recommended to cellar it for at least two years before tasting, so it can fully reveal its complexity.

A Chablis Premier Cru Exuding Burgundy’s Signature Minerality

The Estate

Founded on May 1, 1923 at the instigation of Abbé Balitrand, La Chablisienne was born of the union of winegrowers facing the economic hardships of the interwar period. This cooperative, unique in the Chablis region, now brings together between 250 and 270 winegrowing families who cultivate around 1,200 hectares, representing nearly 23% of the appellation. Led by Damien Leclerc, with Estelle Roy overseeing winemaking since 2023, La Chablisienne has established itself as a benchmark in Burgundy. In 2024, it was awarded the White Wine Producer Trophy by the International Wine & Spirit Competition, an honor that notably recognizes its environmental commitment and sustainable practices.

The Vineyard

The Chablis 1er Cru "Montmains" comes from an exceptional terroir located on the left bank of the Serein, with southeast and northeast exposure. The vines, averaging 25 to 50 years of age, thrive between 164 and 221 meters in altitude on slopes of around 20%. The soil is made up of Kimmeridgian marls alternating with limestone layers, scattered with oyster fossils, and covered by dense clays. This high clay content gives the wine greater volume and texture. The cooler, wind-exposed conditions of this terroir lead to a later harvest and contribute to the distinctive aromatic intensity of this Premier Cru.

The Vintage

The 2021 vintage will be remembered as one of the most challenging in Chablis’ recent history. After early budbreak favored by a mild winter, three devastating nights of frost struck in early April, with temperatures dropping to minus eight degrees Celsius. On April 5, 6, and 7, rain, snow, and frost followed one another, destroying the majority of buds. Despite the use of anti-frost candles in the most prestigious plots, losses reached nearly 80% in classic Chablis vines, while the Premiers Crus suffered around 40% losses. The final harvest amounted to less than 70% of a normal production, requiring meticulous sorting and exceptional technical expertise to craft balanced wines.

Winemaking and Aging

The grapes for the Chablis 1er Cru "Montmains" 2021 were pressed, then the must underwent cold settling for clarification. Alcoholic fermentation and malolactic fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks, preserving the wine’s freshness. Aging continued for 12 to 14 months on fine lees, split between stainless steel tanks (70%) and 228- and 400-liter oak barrels (30%), with up to 50% new oak. This long maturation on lees, a true signature of La Chablisienne, allows the wine to develop complexity and depth while preserving its mineral character.

Grape Variety

Chardonnay (100%)