# Domaine des Chaumes Chablis Fût de Chêne (2022)

- **Producer:** Domaine des Chaumes
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Burgundy, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €24
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** peach, apple, pear, lemon, brioche, toast, butter, vanilla, honey, hazelnut

## About this wine

Domaine des Chaumes is a family-run estate situated in the commune of Maligny, on the right bank of the Serein river in Chablis. Established in its modern form in 2000 by Romain Poullet, the estate is now managed by Romain and his wife Céline, representing three generations of family winemaking expertise. The estate spans 11 hectares of vineyards planted on classic Kimmeridgian clay-limestone soils, which are rich in marine fossils. The Fût de Chêne bottling represents a traditional, historical style of Chablis, bridging the gap between the cool-climate mineral precision of the region and the textured complexity of oak aging.

## Interesting facts

- Before the introduction of stainless steel in the 1960s, all Chablis was historically fermented and aged in oak barrels.
- The estate holds HVE Level 3 certification, the highest environmental recognition awarded by the French government.
- The vineyards are located in Maligny on Kimmeridgian soils, rich in tiny fossilized prehistoric oyster shells.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus body and subtle oak-derived toastiness allow it to cut through rich, creamy sauces, while its vibrant Chablis acidity cleanses the palate. The mineral backbone beautifully complements delicate seafood and roasted poultry.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for this cuvée revives traditional Chablis methods. Following a gentle pressing of the Chardonnay grapes, both alcoholic and malolactic fermentations are completed. The wine is then aged for 11 months in French oak barrels (fûts de chêne). To maintain a balanced terroir expression and prevent the oak from overpowering the delicate fruit, the estate uses a precise barrel program consisting of 20% new oak and 80% older, neutral oak vats. The vineyards are farmed sustainably under the High Environmental Value (HVE Level 3) certification.