Domaine Billaud-Simon, Chablis Grand Cru, Preuses, Burgundy

An introduction to Domaine Billaud-Simon, Chablis Grand Cru, Preuses, Burgundy

Preuses takes its name from the word ‘pierre’ meaning ‘stone’. It is a 12-hectare Grand Cru vineyard, located on the eastern bank of the Serein River above the town of Chablis, and at the northern end of the Grand Cru slope. The Preuse slopes continue on from Bougros Grand Cru at the bottom of the hill, starting gently and becoming increasingly steep toward the top, with a compacted layer of clay and a relatively deep topsoil that becomes shallower further down. This vineyard has a west and southwest aspect. The domaine’s vines cover a total surface area of 0.4 hectares.

Performance

Understanding Domaine Billaud-Simon, Chablis Grand Cru, Preuses, Burgundy

Produced from Chardonnay grapes, the wine is vinified in stainless steel tanks and aged partially in the same vessel, as well as in oak barrels. It has an attractive bouquet, delivering enticing aromas of orange blossom, oyster shell, wet stone, lime and mint. The palate represents the distinctive clay terroir, offering density and power, underpinned by vibrant acids. The wine is full of energy and focus, with a finely cut finish. For The Wine Advocate’s Willam Kelley, this wine is ‘satiny and enveloping,’ with a ‘layered and multidimensional mid-palate,’ and ‘precise, stony finish.’

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