2013 William Fevre Chablis Montée de Tonnerre

Domaine William Fevre is a 120-acre domaine in Chablis, Burgundy. The Fevre family has been in Chablis for more than two centuries and for much of the 20th century their Chablis wines have been highly sought after. The estate has Grand Cru parcels in Bougros, Les Clos, Grenouilles, Les Preuses, Valmur and Vaudesir, as well as premier cru parcels. In 1998 when William Fevre retired the domaine was sold to Henriot Champagne, already the proprietors of Bouchard Pere et Fils. Burgundy writer Clive Coates notes that when it was sold “it was first class operation then; it is even better now….This is a classy setup, producing very classy wines.” There is also a William Fevre negociant.

Montee de Tonnerre is a 15-acre Premier Cru parcel just east of the village of Chablis and just south of the Grand Crus. Montee de Tonnerre includes the important climats of Chapelot, Les Chapelots, Pied d’Aloup and Coted de Brechain. Robert M. Parker Jr. has written that “in blind tastings, this microparcel is often judged to be a Grand Cru. It is regrettable that its reputation is not better known…” The soil is a mixture of limestone, clay and fossilized oyster shells.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.