# Chablis 1er Cru Montmains "Vieilles Vignes" (2024)

- **Producer:** Domaine Alain Gautheron
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Burgundy, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €45
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lemon, grapefruit, lime, peach, apricot, pear, blossom, fennel, grass, butter, toast, pastry, smoke, honey, wet leaves

## About this wine

Domaine Alain Gautheron is a historic estate located in Fleys, a small village just east of Chablis. The Gautheron family has been cultivating vines here for seven generations, dating back to 1809. Today, Cyril Gautheron leads the estate, combining deep respect for family tradition with modern precision. This specific cuvée comes from a tiny 0.66-hectare parcel of exceptionally old vines, averaging 80 years of age, situated on the Left Bank of the Serein River. The 2024 vintage was marked by extreme weather challenges in Chablis, including severe frosts and mildew, which drastically reduced yields but resulted in a highly concentrated, classic, high-acid profile reminiscent of legendary cool-climate vintages. The estate is certified Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) Level 3, reflecting their commitment to sustainable viticulture.

## Interesting facts

- The Gautheron family has been crafting wine in the tiny village of Fleys for seven generations, dating back to 1809.
- This wine comes from an incredibly rare 0.66-hectare parcel of 80-year-old vines, offering exceptional natural concentration.
- The historic local nickname for Fleys residents is 'Gougueys', referring to the fossilized marine snails abundant in the vineyards.
- Winemaker Cyril Gautheron executes cellar movements and bottling in accordance with atmospheric pressure and moon cycles.

## Food pairing

The wine's blistering high acidity and intense saline minerality act as a perfect palate cleanser, cutting through rich, buttery sauces and oily fish. The old-vine concentration provides enough weight to stand up to creamy white meats, while the classic Chablis chalkiness beautifully complements shellfish and regional soft cheeses.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process at Domaine Gautheron is designed to preserve the intense mineral expression of the old vines. Grapes are harvested entirely by hand due to the steep slopes and the fragility of the 80-year-old vines. After harvest, the grapes undergo a gentle, slow pressing in pneumatic bladder presses to prevent oxidation. The juice is moved entirely by gravity into stainless steel tanks to avoid pumping. Fermentation takes place under strict temperature control, followed by 100% malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged on its fine lees for approximately one year. Unlike the estate's other Premier Crus, this old-vine cuvée is aged using a split-vessel method: 75% to 80% remains in stainless steel and tronconic tanks, while 20% to 25% is matured in neutral, older French oak barrels to add texture and roundness without imparting dominant oak flavors. Cellar operations and bottling are aligned with atmospheric pressure and moon cycles.