Domaine de la Motte Chablis 1er Cru Vau-Ligneau 2019 Chablis, Burgundy, France
The lieu-dit of Vau-Ligneau (meaning little valley) is one of Chablis' more recent promotees to Premier Crus status, elevated for consistently producing superior quality wines. Chardonnay grapes are grown on 40 year old vines in Kimmeridgian soil with a south easterly exposure (giving a more mineral style than the Premier Cru Beauroy which comes from south / south westerly vineyards). A deep layer of white clay gives the wine length, finess and elegance. In the winery, after pressing, gravity is utilised to gently separate the juice from the skins and pulp. 30% of the wine is fermented in 228 litre oak barrels, the rest in stainless steel (which undergoes malolactic fermentation for 5 weeks). The oaked proportion remains in barrel for 11 months.
Lightly toasted, buttery oak on the nose, the palate is round, complex and mineral yet ripe with plenty of fresh Chablis acidity. This will be long-lived; expect at least five years' drinking. Serve with richer styles of fish dishes, shellfish, chicken and creamy sauce.
