La Chablisienne Chablis 1er Cru "Fourchaume" 2022
(Burgundy, France) - [JS 92] [VM 91]

About the Winery:
This family-owned cooperative was established in 1923 by a group of winegrowers in Chablis with the goals of driving quality and innovation in the region, as well as bolstering the influence of its members. This winery is rooted in a pioneering spirit, creating pure, minerality driven wines of exquisite quality. Today, La Chablisienne spans over 200 winegrowing families and 1,200 hectares farmed and is known for producing some of the top wine in Chablis.

By 2026, La Chablisienne plans to have 100% of its vineyards HVE3-certified and 75% will be Terra Vitis-certified.

Vinification for all wines is performed to maintain the nuances of each particular terroir, which is accomplished through cold settling before fermentation and conducting primary and malolactic fermentations in stainless steel tanks. These elegant cuvées are known for their purity, energy and minerality.

About this Wine:
Fourchaume is one of the best-known Premier Cru vineyards with soils like those in the Grand Cru vineyards, which share the right bank of the Serein River. Its southwest exposure provides excellent ripening conditions that lead to concentrated grapes with good acidity. This terroir is known for producing voluptuous, powerful wines featuring fruit, flint and a touch of iodine.

Technical Details:

Appellation: Chablis 1er Cru AOC
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Vineyards: Right bank of Serein; southwest and west exposure; 135-198 meters
Soil: Deep soil – Kimmeridgian, with some red marls, limestone and fossilized oyster shells
Vine Age: 32 years average
Vinification: Primary and malolactic fermentations in stainless steel tanks
Maturation: 16 months on fine lees in 70% stainless-steel tanks and 30% in 400L oak barrels (no more than 50% new oak)
Alcohol: 12.5%

Tasting Notes:
Notes of flint and flowers lead to a sophisticated, full palate balancing ripe fruit, salinity, and subtle vanilla that evolves and lingers. Pairs well with oysters, mussels, tuna crudo, grilled seafood, ravioli in cream sauce, asparagus risotto and cream soups.

Ratings & Reviews

92 Points – James Suckling:
“This has a pretty nose of jasmine, lemon rind, mussel shells and sliced pears. It’s medium-bodied, bright and saline with a salty, savory finish. Drink now or hold.” (Nov 2024)

91 Points – Vinous Media:
“The 2022 Chablis Fourchaume 1er Cru has an impressive bouquet: focused and tensile, quite slate-like, with plenty of energy. The palate is well-defined with a crisp bead of acidity, taut and fresh, with a sapid, classically styled finish that lingers long in the mouth. Excellent. Tasted blind at the BIVB tasting in Chablis.” – Neal Martin (Aug 2024)