Chablis 1er Cru La Fourchaume “Dédé” AOC 2023

Wine Description for Chablis 1er Cru La Fourchaume “Dédé” AOC 2023 by de l’Enclos

Character

A classic Chablis Premier Cru from the renowned La Fourchaume site, which is among the largest and most sought-after Premier Cru vineyards in the appellation. The moniker “Dédé” lends a personal touch to this wine, hinting at a special parcel or cuvée. At 13% ABV, the 2023 vintage displays a poised balance between freshness and ripeness – a testament to the increasingly warm growing seasons in northern France.

Terroir & Origin

La Fourchaume is situated on the right bank of the Serein, northwest of the town of Chablis, benefiting from an ideal south-westerly exposure. The Kimmeridgian limestone, rich in fossilised oyster shells, shapes the soils here and imparts that unmistakable mineral tension for which Chablis is world-famous. The cool continental climate, with its cold winters and moderately warm summers, ensures the characteristic acid structure and elegance. Following a challenging spring, the 2023 vintage delivered a sunny late summer, yielding healthy, aromatically concentrated grapes.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Chardonnay is the only permitted grape variety in Chablis, showcasing its purest, most unadorned side here. Unlike in more southerly Burgundy appellations, Chablis traditionally employs restrained or no new oak at all, ensuring that the crystalline purity and expression of the terroir are not overshadowed. Domaine de l’Enclos likely follows an artisanal approach, with vinification in stainless steel or neutral wood to emphasise precision and freshness.

Food Pairings

A Premier Cru of this calibre demands sophisticated accompaniment: oysters – naturally –, scallops, langoustines, or a lobster salad. It also pairs beautifully with pan-seared turbot, pike-perch in butter sauce, or a medium-matured goat’s cheese. Its mineral structure also makes it the ideal partner for classic Escargots de Bourgogne.