2016 Domaine Vincent Dauvissat Chablis Montée de Tonnerre

Domaine Vincent Dauvissat is a 27-acre domaine in Chablis, Burgundy. It was previously called Domaine Rene et Vincent Dauvissat, but is now run entirely by Rene’s son Vincent. The domaine produces Grand Cru and Premier Cru Chablis which is usually highly-rated. Burgundy writer Clive Coates notes that the Dauvissat domaine “lies with that of the Raveneau brothers at the top of the Chablis hierarchy….This is a great estate.”

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.