Simonnet Febvre, Chablis Grand Cru, Blanchot, Burgundy

An introduction to Simonnet Febvre, Chablis Grand Cru, Blanchot, Burgundy

Les Blanchots is the southernmost of the seven official Climats of the Chablis Grand Cru appellation. It is located on the eastern side of the Serein River above the town of Chablis. Les Blanchots is particularly unusual for a Grand Cru climat as it faces southeast rather than southwest, giving it more protection from the intense afternoon sunshine. Instead, exposure to the gentle morning sun allows a much slower ripening period for the grapes, which develop less-pronounced fruit flavours and retain more acidity. The later harvesting time leads to immense finesse and delicacy. The name Les Blanchots refers to the distinctive white colour of the soils here, derived from the Kimmeridgian subsoils that are found in the best vineyard sites in Chablis – the result of an ancient seabed, rich in marine fossil deposits. The soils of Les Blanchots are also mixed with deposits of blue clay, rich in iron, adding further minerality to the wines produced here, with the lighter style differentiating them from other Grand Crus.

Performance

Understanding Simonnet Febvre, Chablis Grand Cru, Blanchot, Burgundy

Simonnet-Febvre Chablis Blanchot is made from vines with an average age of 40 years. The fermentation features 50% stainless steel and 50% old oak before the wine is aged in barrel on fine lees for a period of 15-18 months. Notably floral, delicate and light, with a mineral persistence, the wines of Les Blanchots are gentler, but richer, and develop faster in the bottle than other Grand Crus.

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