Louis Michel & Fils Chablis Grand Cru 2020
Crisp acidity and a long, elegant finish, making it a true reflection of the Chablis terroir. As it ages, expect these flavours to evolve, gaining additional layers of complexity and depth
Producer
Country
Region
Classification
Grand Cru
Appellation
Vintage
2020
Wine Type
Grape(s)
Dietary
Alcohol %
Bottle Size
Location
The Louis Michel & Fils Chablis Grand Cru 2020 offers a captivating tasting experience. On the nose, it presents pronounced mineral aromas intertwined with hints of white pepper and nutmeg. The palate is rich and complex, showcasing flavours of ripe citrus fruits, green apple, and pear, complemented by a subtle saline minerality. The wine has a crisp acidity and a long, elegant finish, making it a true reflection of the Chablis terroir. As it ages, expect these flavors to evolve, gaining additional layers of complexity and depth.
The Louis Michel & Fils Chablis Grand Cru 2020 is Dense and weighty but elegant, this offers generous stone-fruit on the front of the palate, before gently tapering in to leave a lingering, mineral sea-breeze finish.
The Louis Michel & Fils Chablis Grand Cru 2020 is crafted from vineyards on the right bank of the Serein river, featuring Kimmeridgian soil rich in limestone and clay. The wine undergoes a long fermentation with indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled tanks, followed by spontaneous malolactic fermentation. It matures for 18 to 20 months in stainless steel tanks, with minimal intervention to preserve its natural characteristics. This Chablis has an excellent aging potential of 10 years or more, developing a complex bouquet and harmonious balance over time. Known for its powerful and complex profile, it showcases pronounced mineral aromas and notes of white pepper and nutmeg, reflecting the true essence of the Chablis terroir.
Guillaume has a whole hectare here, on a north-facing slope which is late to ripen and therefore retains freshness and energy – a useful counterpoint to the rounded, caressing character of the wine.
The wine undergoes an extended maturation process without the use of oak barrels and fermentation with natural years means that this wine is a perfect repletion of the terroir.
Prior to 1970 all the wines from this domaine were fermented and matured in old oak barrels. By 1980 the old oak had been thrown out and the domaine had switched entirely to stainless steel. Today the domaine is run by Jean-Loup Michel and is widely recognised as the prime exponents of unoaked Chablis in the region.
Chardonnay
From crisp unoaked versions from cool climates, to full-bodied and oak-aged versions from more moderate climates, and even to sparkling blanc de blancs, the flavors of Chardonnay can vary significantly, while also retaining common characteristics.
On the nose, unoaked, or ‘Chablis-style’ Chardonnays, tend to offer fragrant notes of green apple, pear, and citrus, with some chalky or mineral-like aromas.
Oaked Chardonnays, particularly those in the ‘Burgundian’ style, will often present rich aromas of peach, mango, and lemon, accompanied by notes of vanilla, butter, and often a hint of toasted bread or nuttiness due to the influence of oak, malolactic fermentation, and lees stirring.
On the palate Chardonnay offers a broad range of experiences depending on its style. Unoaked Chardonnays are typically lean and crisp, with high acidity, often resembling the freshness of a Sauvignon Blanc but with more body.
Oaked Chardonnays are known for their full-bodied, creamy mouthfeel, moderate acidity, and flavors of butter, vanilla, baking spices overlaying a stone fruit character. Despite the stylistic differences, both types tend to share a characteristic underlying note of apple or citrus. With age, no matter the style, chardonnay tends to develop hazelnut aromas. Most wines range from 12-14%.
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The Country
French wine, steeped in history and tradition, offers a rich tapestry of flavors and styles. Bordeaux’s iconic red blends—Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot—create wines with structured tannins and notes of blackcurrant, plum, and cedar. Burgundy’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay yield velvety reds and crisp whites. Champagne sparkles with toasty brioche and citrus. The Rhône Valley boasts bold Syrah, while Alsace’s Riesling and Gewürztraminer express floral aromas. From Provence’s pale rosés to Corsica’s sun-kissed Vermentino, each bottle tells a story. Santé!
The Region
Known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Burgundy’s terroir imparts distinctiveness. The Côte d’Or yields velvety reds with cherry and earthy nuances. Chablis, from northern Burgundy, offers crisp, mineral-driven whites.
The Producer
Prior to 1970 all the wines from this domaine were fermented and matured in old oak barrels. By 1980 the old oak had been thrown out and the domaine had switched entirely to stainless steel. Today the domaine is run by Jean-Loup Michel and is widely recognised as the prime exponents of unoaked Chablis in the region.
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