Alain Geoffroy
Chablis 1er Cru Vau Ligneau 2023
Other years:
2022| Denomination | AOC Chablis Premier Cru |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 13.0% by volume |
| Area | Burgundy (France) |
| Grape varieties | 100% Chardonnay |
| Aging | In stainless steel tanks on the fine lees for several months |
| Other years | 2022 |
- Origin and grapes: 100% white grapes from Chablis, Burgundy, grown on fossilised limestone marls
- Vinification in steel: Hand-harvested, full malolactic fermentation, no ageing in wood
- Aromas: Hints of white flowers, vegetal notes, fruity accents and a slight hint of vanilla
- Flavour and finish: Soft and lively on the palate, elegant structure, persistent and mineral finish
- Service and pairings: Serve at 10–12°C as an aperitif, 12–14°C with oysters, fish and cheeses
Description
Wine style
Alain Geoffroy's Chablis Premier Cru Vau Ligneau is a still white wine of great elegance, produced exclusively from Chardonnay grapes grown in the famous Burgundy region. Thanks to vinification in steel, the sensory profile is distinguished by a balanced structure and a vibrant freshness. On the nose, it expresses clear aromas of white flowers and delicate vegetal notes, enriched by fruity accents and a subtle hint of vanilla. On the palate, the harmony between power and softness culminates in a decidedly mineral finish, ideal for pairing with oysters, grilled langoustines and typical local cheeses.
Provenance
This wine originates from the Alain Geoffroy winery's vineyards located in the heart of Chablis, between the communes of Beine and La Chapelle Vaupelteigne. The vines are rooted in soils composed of Kimmeridgian limestone marls, a unique substrate characterised by the presence of ancient marine fossils. This particular soil conformation allows the Chardonnay to fully express its complexity, ensuring a taut flavour profile that is deeply representative of its place of origin. Founded in 1850, the company also celebrates its history through an on-site museum dedicated to vintage agricultural tools.
How it is produced
The winemaking process involves a manual harvest and soft pressing, followed by settling of the must for twenty-four hours. Alcoholic fermentation continues until the winter season, followed by malolactic fermentation. The entire ageing on the fine lees takes place in steel tanks, excluding the use of wood. Such technical rigour is essential to preserve the aromatic clarity of the raw material, keeping the freshness of the fruit and the typical saline imprint that defines this terroir intact.
History and interesting facts
Founded in 1850, the renowned Alain Geoffroy estate embodies the authentic Burgundian wine-growing vocation, standing out as a pioneering presence within the prestigious Chablis AOC. The family's deep bond with the land is expressed in the care of the vineyards cultivated between Beine and La Chapelle-Vaupelteigne. Respect for their roots lives on in the estate museum, where over eight thousand ancient agricultural tools bear witness to rural dedication, enriching every bottle with the priceless value of artisanal tradition.
Awards
-
2023
92/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
10 - 12 °C
Longevity:
05 - 10 years
- Start up year: 1850
- Bottles produced: 250.000
- Hectares: 50
Vinification is carried out strictly in steel tanks, to preserve the freshness but above all the typicality of Chablis wines, where each cru has its own peculiarity that can be perceived right from the nose and where even the smallest differences in terroir are reflected in the individual wines.
Chablis wines are fine and elegant, capable of ageing for many years and the Domaine de Beines, through the valuable work of Alain Geoffroy and his daughters Cathy and Nathalie, is a great interpreter of the tradition of this area of Burgundy. Read more
| Name | Alain Geoffroy Chablis 1er Cru Vau Ligneau 2023 |
|---|---|
| Type | White still |
| Denomination | Chablis AOC |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 13.0% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Chardonnay |
| Country | France |
| Region | Burgundy |
| Vendor | Alain Geoffroy |
| Story | History and interesting facts Founded in 1850, the renowned Alain Geoffroy estate embodies the authentic Burgundian wine-growing vocation, standing out as a pioneering presence within the prestigious Chablis AOC. The family's deep bond with the land is expressed in the care of the vineyards cultivated between Beine and La Chapelle-Vaupelteigne. Respect for their roots lives on in the estate museum, where over eight thousand ancient agricultural tools bear witness to rural dedication, enriching every bottle with the priceless value of artisanal tradition. |
| Origin | Between the villages of Beine and La Chapelle Vaupelteigne |
| Soil composition | Calcareous marls rich in oyster fossils from the Kimmeridgian period (Jurassic) |
| Fermentation | Alcoholic fermentation continues until winter |
| Production technique | Hand-harvested; gentle pressing; must settling in stainless steel tanks for 24 hours; alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel until winter; full malolactic fermentation; ageing for a few months in stainless steel on the fine lees; no use of oak. |
| Wine making | Manual harvest; soft pressing; settling of the must in stainless steel tanks for 24 hours; alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel until winter followed by full malolactic fermentation; ageing for several months in stainless steel on fine lees; no use of wood. |
| Aging | In stainless steel tanks on the fine lees for several months |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |