Louis Jadot Chablis Fourchaume 1er Cru 2023

Winery Background and History:

Maison Louis Jadot was founded in 1859 in Beaune, Burgundy, and has grown into one of Burgundy’s most respected négociants and producers. Over generations, the family-owned business expanded its vineyard holdings and partnerships across Burgundy, including Chablis. Jadot wines are known for combining traditional Burgundian practices with rigorous quality control and site expression. In the Chablis range, Jadot emphasizes precision, minerality, and clarity, often selecting top parcels like Fourchaume to showcase terroir.

Producer and Wine Maker:

The wine is produced by Maison Louis Jadot, with oversight by their winemaking and technical team. In Chablis, the cellars are managed to ensure cool, controlled fermentations and careful lees management. The winemaking philosophy is to let the Chardonnay’s minerality and acidity speak, with restrained oak and minimal intervention. For Fourchaume, special barrels and blending decisions are made to balance richness and Chablis character.

Vineyards and Micro Climate:

The Fourchaume vineyard is one of the largest and better-known 1er Cru lieux-dits in Chablis, sitting on gentle slopes above the Serein River valley. Soils are classic Kimmeridgian limestone and clay, with fossils and marine nodules contributing to minerality. The microclimate is continental, with cold winters, warm summers, and spring frost risk, moderated by proximity to river and slope exposure. Morning sun warms the vines, afternoon shade in places helps retain acidity.

Vinification & Aging Methods:

After gentle pressing, part of the juice is fermented in 400-litre oak barrels (foudres) and part in stainless steel vats to preserve freshness. The fermentation is controlled at low temperatures, with partial malolactic fermentation (not always 100 %). The wine is aged on fine lees for about 13 to 15 months before bottling, with occasional bâtonnage to build texture without overwhelming minerality. Some blending between barrels and vats ensures balance between purity and richness. 

Tasting Notes:

This Fourchaume shows aromas of lemon peel, green apple, pear, white flowers, and oyster shell minerality. On the palate it is fresh, with crisp citrus flavors (lemon, lime), white peach, and fine stony backbone. The texture is medium-bodied and lithe, with integrated oak, subtle spice, and a clean, lingering saline finish. Decanter notes highlight oyster shell minerality, floral touches, and pear and apple fruit. 

Food & Wine Pairing:

This wine is ideal with oysters, scallops, raw shellfish, lobster with butter sauces, and grilled fish. It also pairs well with sushi and sashimi, white meats (chicken, pork) with citrus or herb accents, goat cheese, vegetable terrines, and light cream sauces. The high acidity and mineral edge can complement fresh herbs, sea asparagus, and shellfish in beurre blanc.

Service Methods and Temperatures:

Serve chilled at about 10–12 °C (50–54 °F). Use a white wine glass with moderate bowl and slightly tapering rim to concentrate aromas and maintain lift. Avoid overchilling, which can mute expression; allow the wine to breathe gently for 10 minutes in glass before drinking.

Storage and Aging Potential:

This wine is drinkable upon release but will develop over 5 to 8 years, potentially longer in excellent cellaring conditions (cool, ~12 °C, stable humidity). Over time fruit notes may shift to dried citrus and nut nuances, and minerality may become more pronounced, while oak influence recedes.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100 % Chardonnay

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

12.5 % 

Scores:

• Vinous: 91 (2023)