2015 Domaine des Malandes Chablis Premier Cru Vau de Vey

Chablis is the northernmost region in Burgundy and it is renowned world-wide for producing high quality dry white wine made from 100% Chardonnay grapes.   Its northern location gives it a cooler climate than other Burgundy regions and the resultant wines have higher acidity than Chardonnay produced in warmer climes.  They are typically unoaked.  The French describe the appeal of Chablis as its goût de pierre à fusil, or gunflint quality.  The steely acidity, nervy, fresh, energetic style of Chardonnay is unique.

Out of 5,600ha under vine in Chablis, only 779ha are designated Premier Cru.  The Vau de Vey is a a 43Ha Premier Cru vineyard that runs almost the length of a steep, thin, east-facing slope of a north-south valley in the western part of Chablis.  Here, Domaine des Malandes, a traditional family-run estate owns 3.5Ha and from this parcel of land they produce a wonderful wine with classic minerality, a distinct smoky note, balanced by beautiful ripe citrus fruit, green apple and a hint of apricot. Wonderfully fresh with a lingering steely finish.