Chablis Montserre AOC 2022

A lively Chablis in which power and finesse come together. Bright, intense golden yellow in the glass, open and expansive on the nose: apple compote, orange and orange marmalade, with ginger and liquorice. Beneath that, smoky nuances and a cool, saline scent reminiscent of waves against rocks.

The Montserre plot lies at altitude, at the pinnacle of the appellation, exposed to wind on all four sides. It takes its name from the "serres", dense, stacked limestone slabs; at the surface the soil is strewn with white pebbles. A hedgerow of trees surrounds the vineyard, home to nesting birds that form a thriving ecosystem. Château de Béru is located in eastern Chablis, where Kimmeridgian limestone dominates.

100% Chardonnay, dry, 13.5% vol. The grapes are carefully selected and gently pressed, fermentation begins spontaneously with natural yeasts, and ageing takes place in small wooden barrels. The oak influence remains subtle and is woven into the wine's juicy expression. Athénais de Béru farms the vineyards biodynamically, using horses instead of heavy machinery.

The fruit enters fresh and vibrant, citrus and fresh orange leading the way, carried by lively acidity and a pronounced saline streak. The long finish points to great ageing potential. Decant for now and do not serve too cold.

Prawns with sweet potato, ginger and sesame oil, crispy tofu with miso, seaweed and orange wedges, and corn-fed chicken breast with kumquats, pak choi and polenta.

The wind-exposed altitude and limestone-slab soil shape this wine's interplay: jammy fruit over cool, saline minerality. The label carries the Demeter logo.