Chablis Premier Cru Butteaux 2015 by Louis Michel & Fils is in a way like a time capsule in the bottle. The Domaine’s vineyards concentrated on the slopes that were farmed among the first by Cistercian monks in the 11th century. It’s fascinating that those monks almost a millennia ago did pretty much the same in the same place: planted vines, harvested grapes, and made wine.
We are likely drinking much better wine than they did back then. Although monks probably thought the same thing about their ancestors or even neighbors.
Louis Michel & Fils Story
The Michel family has been making wines in Chablis since the 19th century. From generation to generation, Louis Michel & Fils has always been a family business and is managed today by Guillaume Michel.
Located in northern Burgundy, Domaine’s vineyards in Chablis are certainly challenging for both the vines and the growers. Still, they have a clear benefit in making Chablis a magnificent terroir.
On average, the Chardonnay vines are 45 years old. Vineyards are within a two-kilometer radius from the winery and located in the original historic part of Chablis, and are among the region’s most prestigious parcels.
Louis Michel & Fils produces twelve wines in four quality levels, from the very top to entry-level. As in other renowned wine regions of France, quality is dictated by the terroir of the location. Their Vineyards cover four appellations (top to basic): Chablis Grand Cru, Premier Cru, Chablis, and Petit Chablis.
Chablis Premier Cru Butteaux 2015
In the Bottle
2015 Chablis Premier Cru Butteaux comes from four separate plots on the Butteaux slopes in the western part of the Montmains valley.
It’s all about terroir. The grapes are grown on fairy steep well-ventilated slopes of the river bank with southern and south-eastern exposure. It’s advantageous because the vines get excellent sun exposure in this cool climate region.
The soil is a mix of white and blue clay with large blocks of marl oyster fossils. That’s what adds a hallmark flinty minerality to Chablis wines.
The wine is 100% Chardonnay from vines planted in 1971 – 1972. The wine went through long fermentation on indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled vats.
Following the spontaneous (natural) malolactic fermentation, wines were matured for 12 to 16 months in stainless steel tanks. Avoiding oak barrels allows winemakers to showcase the true nature of this Premier Cru Chablis. The wine is gently filtered once before bottling.
So what did we get in a glass?
In the Glass: Chablis Premier Cru Butteaux 2015
Aromas gave it away. We had more than ordinary Chablis. It started with scents of honeysuckle flowers, continued with baked apple and Meyer lemon, fresh butter, and flinty mineral notes.
It had apricot, pear and green apple, lemon and lime, butter croissant, and almond bitters’ touch on the palate.
The aftertaste was filled with dried apricot and apple slices.
Finish
Chablis Premier Cru Butteaux 2015 has everything we expect from excellent Chardonnay.
Is it for you if you like California Chardonnay? Or for you if you prefer leaner French Chards?
We think it can satisfy both camps. It has a sophisticated aroma and acidity French wine lovers appreciate. On the other hand, while it’s not a butter bomb, the buttery note is quite substantial. The pronounced flavor profile, great structure, and balanced acidity can make California Chard fans smile.
Lastly, at $35-40, Butteaux is a bargain because Premier Cru Chablis is just a notch below in quality from Grand Cru and costs two to ten times less, if not more.
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