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Chablis 2006, JP & C Grossot

Appellation : Chablis

Année : 2006

Pays : France

Région : Chablis

Cépage(s) : Chardonnay

Catégorie : Blanc

Description :
Corinne and Jean Pierre Grossot represent the third generation of winemakers at their family domaine. The Grossots cultivate 18 hectares of Chablis vineyards, centered in the village of Fleys, just east of the town of Chablis on the road to Tonnerre. Their production is about two thirds Chablis AOC and one third of the Premier Crus Mont de Milieu, Vaucoupin, and Fourneaux. Wine maker Jean-Pierre Grossot seeks to produce exceptional Chablis wines -- and especially Chablis AOC -- by keeping the rich Chardonnay fruit, the unique mineral quality of the Kimmeridgian soil, and the lively fruity acidity and bouquet, in perfect balance.

Grossot's vineyards practices follows and go beyond the “lutte raisonnee” standards towards full sustainability. By pruning severely, the vines have adequate aeration and the threat of problems requiring treatments (such as various forms of mildew and botrytis) are eliminated. The vines are fertilized using only organic materials, the soil is ploughed, and grass is planted between the rows. No synthetic products are used. Grossot recycles his vine cuttings as fuel for heating the domaine's buildings. These and other measures are examples of sustainable farming chez Grossot.

The grapes are hand-harvested and gently pressed in a horizontal pneumatic press to ensure the fullest extraction of flavors and aromas. The juice ferments very slowly at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks, and after a first racking, the wines rest in tanks to develop. Depending on the vintage, Grossot may block the malolactic fermentation in order to ensure that his wines retain their fruity acidity and crispness, so essential for great Chablis. Bottling is usually done one year after the harvest. Grossot's commitment to making high quality Chablis wines has brought him international acclaim, particularly in the Revue du Vin de France, The Wine Spectator and Decanter.

Grossot takes great pride in his Chablis AOC, which comes from exceptionally well-placed sloping vineyards around his winery in Fleys, which is on the natural continuation of the Mont de Milieu 1er Cru hillside. The vines are an average of 25 years of age. Grossot is able to produce such rich and expressive Chablis AOC because his grapes attain extra maturity due to the favorable microclimate. The Chablis AOC is vinified entirely in tank. It is packed with flavors of ripe pear, citrus and minerals, and has a long and refreshing finish.