Domaine Bernard Defaix Petit Chablis 2023

Product Description

The Domaine Bernard Defaix Petit Chablis 2023 is an exceptional expression of Chablis that stands out for its purity and vibrancy. This wine is sourced primarily from Kimmeridgian soil located on the slopes above Milly and Vaillons, with additional parcels in Poinchy and Béines. The terroir, coupled with meticulous vineyard care, gives this wine its distinctive minerality and freshness. Fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged in glass-lined tanks, the wine maintains its bright, crisp character while expressing the elegance of Chablis. The 2023 vintage shows remarkable balance, with a blend of ripe fruit and vibrant acidity. This is a Petit Chablis that showcases both depth and finesse, offering a captivating tasting experience that is perfect for those who appreciate the terroir-driven style of the region.

The use of Kimmeridgian soil contributes a unique minerality to the wine, a hallmark of Chablis that sets it apart from other regions. Unlike many Petit Chablis wines which typically come from lower-lying sites, the Domaine Bernard Defaix parcel benefits from a cooler, higher elevation, allowing the fruit to ripen slowly and evenly. This results in a wine with purity and focus, featuring fresh fruit, zesty acidity, and a clean, crisp finish. This wine is not only a fantastic representation of the Petit Chablis style but also a true reflection of the meticulous care and attention to detail the Defaix family puts into their work.

Food Pairings – Perfect with fresh seafood, oysters, goat cheese, or light vegetable salads. It also pairs beautifully with grilled fish, shellfish, or poultry dishes, making it a versatile choice for a variety of occasions.

Maker

Domaine Bernard Defaix was founded in 1959 by Bernard Defaix, and today it is run by his sons, Sylvain and Didier. The estate spans 27 hectares in the Chablis region, with vineyards that include some of the finest Premier Cru sites. The Defaix family is known for its commitment to organic farming, having adopted organic practices in 2009 and officially receiving certification in 2012. The family’s dedication to quality is evident in their small but carefully tended vineyards, where they focus on maintaining soil health and promoting biodiversity. With a focus on minimal intervention, they allow the natural character of the Chablis terroir to shine through in each bottle.

The family’s expertise and hands-on approach extend to every aspect of their winemaking process. From vineyard management to fermentation, the Defaix family ensures that each wine is a true reflection of its origins. Their approach to fermentation uses wild yeasts, and the wines are aged in glass-lined tanks, which preserves the freshness and vibrancy that is characteristic of their style. The result is wines that are both expressive and pure, capturing the essence of Chablis and showcasing the region's unique terroir.

Philosophy

The Defaix family’s philosophy is centred around producing wines that genuinely express the Chablis terroir. Their commitment to organic practices and minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the winery ensures that each wine is made with the utmost respect for nature. This approach allows the wines to develop naturally, without the use of herbicides or pesticides, and with minimal use of fertilisers. The family also believes in the importance of maintaining low yields to ensure the highest quality fruit. Their dedication to these principles results in wines that are not only fresh and vibrant but also rich in character and complexity.

Their philosophy extends beyond just organic practices; it’s about understanding the land, working with it, and allowing the wines to evolve in a way that expresses their terroir in the most authentic way possible. This is evident in the Petit Chablis 2023, which is made from fruit sourced from the family’s parcels in the higher, cooler areas of Chablis. The focus on purity and balance, combined with the family’s dedication to their land, results in wines that are a true reflection of the unique character of Chablis.

Tasting Notes

Nose
Apple Blossom, Pear, Lime, Chalky Mineral Notes
The nose opens with a fresh burst of apple blossom, complemented by pear and subtle lime aromas. The underlying chalky minerality adds depth and complexity, with hints of crisp green apple enhancing the wine's freshness.

Palate
Fresh Fruit, Zesty Acidity, Crisp Mineral Texture
On the palate, the wine is light and lively with vibrant citrus fruit and juicy pear flavours. The mouthfeel is crisp and refreshing, with a clean mineral edge that runs through the wine, imparting a mouthwatering quality that makes it extremely drinkable. The balance between the fruit and acidity is impeccable, offering a satisfying and structured experience.

Finish
Zesty Lime, Chalky, Refreshing Finish
The finish is long and refreshing, with lingering lime and chalky mineral notes that create a crisp, dry finale. The wine's bright acidity keeps the finish clean and vibrant, providing excellent length and a pleasant mouthfeel that invites another sip.

The Finer Details
Style – White Wine
Varietal – Chardonnay
Country – France
Region – Chablis
Vintage – 2023
Bottle Size – 750ml
ABV – 12.5%
Oak – Aged in glass-lined tanks
Farming Practices – Organic (non-certified)
Drink Window – 2024-2026