Chablis 1er Cru Vau de Vey AOC 2023

A powerful, intense Premier Cru of medium straw yellow. The nose brings together lemon juice, lemon peel and pips, hay and white blossom, followed by damp lichen on wet stone, a touch of smoke, flint and green apple.

Vau de Vey lies in a side valley on the way from Chablis via Poinchy to Beines, to the left of the small river Serein and facing east. The long, steep vineyard covers 40.57 hectares. Instead of the pure Kimmeridgian limestone and marl found on the river's right bank, this side has argilo-calcaire, limestone-rich clay; the wines from this side turn out more floral and lighter. The Bouchard family owns 2.77 hectares in this climat, planted in 1979.

Chardonnay, harvested on 21 and 22 September 2023. The must fermented spontaneously, after which the wine matured for 13 months on fine lees, half in stainless steel and half in used tonneaux. Only coarsely filtered and lightly sulphured before bottling, with total sulphur at 52 mg/l.

Juicy, powerful and firm, with a slightly creamy texture. Ripe pale fruit, vibrant acidity, light tannin and a touch of phenolics are held in balance, the oak remaining barely perceptible. Deep and fresh, with plenty of juice and salinity, mouth-watering and lively.

With delicate fish dishes, fresh oysters or scallops in a light white wine sauce.

Romain and Damien Bouchard founded Domaine de l'Enclos in 2016 from the family's 29 hectares of vineyards. Work is done organically, with hand harvesting, organic compost and, since 2017, biodynamic principles; in the cellar with wild yeasts, no fining and gentle filtration.