Chablis Grand Cru Grenouilles 2023 Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin | Burgundy

Isolated in northern Burgundy, the Chablis region benefits from a cooler climate and Kimmeridgian soils that give its wines, and particularly its Grands Crus, an identity distinctly different from that of the region's other appellations. Jean-Paul & Benoît Droin 's Chablis Grand Cru Grenouilles rises on one of the smallest climats in the area, on the right bank of the Serein, between the Grands Crus Valmur and Vaudésir. The Grenouilles climat, just over 7 hectares in all, is distinguished by its deep, very clayey soils resting on Kimmeridgian bedrock, with a more discreet limestone presence than in other Grands Crus in the area. The gentle slope and South to South-West exposure favor regular ripening, delivering a full-bodied, expressive Chardonnay . The wine estate operates a parcel of less than 0.5 hectares, planted with 60-year-old vines, with an annual production of just a few thousand bottles. The vines are harvested by hand to preserve the integrity of the grapes. Winemaking begins with pneumatic pressing, followed by fermentation using indigenous yeasts, half in stainless steel vats and half in oak barrels, with complete and systematic malolactic fermentation. Ageing then continues for around 8 to 10 months, between stainless steel and wood, before final blending.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : With its often more open and generous style than its immediate neighbors, Chablis Grand Cru Grenouille is in a class of its own. At Domaine Jean Paul & Benoit Droin, maturity is the name of the game, and the generosity of fruit serves to magnify the straightforwardness typical of the great Chablis terroirs. Underneath its pleasant naturalness, this wine is nonetheless racy and deep, with a fine minerality that needs a few years to blossom.

The nose exhales heady aromas of yellow fruit, with apricot, quince and peach. Notes of jasmine and acacia mingle with the freshness of citrus zest, joined on aeration by hints of iodine and gunflint. A concentrate of the Chablis Grand Cru Grenouille terroir!

The palate is broad and enveloping, marked by ripe fruit and a naturally unctuous texture. Freshness is present thanks to the acidic structure, which tightens the wine without excess. The balance between rich fruit aromas and mineral imprint culminates in the beautiful bitters on the finish, whose persistent salinity adds breathtaking depth and length.