# Chablis Premier Cru Les Vaillons (2022)

- **Producer:** Domaine Billaud-Simon
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Burgundy, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €59
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** white peach, apple, lemon, vanilla, cloves, seashore

## About this wine

Domaine Billaud-Simon's Chablis Premier Cru Les Vaillons 2022 is a Chardonnay from the historic Vaillons climat in Chablis, Burgundy. The Vaillons climat, named from the Latin 'vallis' for small valley, is situated on the left bank of the Serein river and is characterized by its South/East exposure and shallow soils rich in Kimmeridgian limestone. The vines at Domaine Billaud-Simon average 50 years of age. The estate itself has a history dating back over two centuries, with the Faiveley family acquiring it in 2014, continuing its tradition of producing sophisticated Chablis wines that reflect their terroirs.

## Interesting facts

- Vaillons means 'small valley' in Latin.
- The vineyard soil is a sticky clay rich in Kimmeridgian limestone.
- Vines at Billaud-Simon average 50 years old.
- The estate is transitioning to organic certification from 2025.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant acidity cuts through the richness of creamy sauces and fatty proteins, while its subtle saline notes complement the briny character of seafood. The clean minerality acts as a palate cleanser, making it versatile with a range of delicate to moderately flavored dishes.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Domaine Billaud-Simon Chablis Premier Cru Les Vaillons 2022 involves hand-harvesting and hand-selection of grapes. Fermentation is carried out using natural yeasts in a combination of tanks and used barriques, with low turbidity (around 50 NTU) maintained. The wine then undergoes aging for 14 months, with approximately 20% of the volume maturing in neutral barrels and the remainder in tank. The domaine employs sustainable farming practices and is working towards organic certification.