Producer Profile

Bernard Defaix began in 1959 with a modest 2 hectares. Now the vineyards have grown to 26 hectares and includes some of the best 1er Cru sites in the region. Bernard’s sons Sylvain and Didier, now fifth generation winemakers and viticulturists, have converted the domaine to certified organic farming and continue the family’s tradition.

Viticulture

Since 2009 Bernard Defaix has been officially certified as Organic. For many years the Domaine had been moving towards a sustainable and more ecologically friendly way of farming. Organic farming is the logical result of all this work and some biodynamic practises are now also being introduced. The soils are from the Upper Jurassic period (Kimmeridgean only for all our plots). The plots are located on hillsides facing South-East. Yields are kept to 48hl/ha

Wine making

Grapes are hand harvested and sorted before being gently pressed. The alcoholic fermentation, followed by the malolactic fermentation in barrels (20% of the wine), and in stainless steel tanks (80% of the wine). Fermenation is with natural yeasts and the wine is kept on its fine lees for 8 to 12 months with regular lees movement to enrich the wine, then blended separately.

Oak Treatment

Time: 12 months; Type: French; % oaked: 20; % new oak: None;

Tasting Note

The remarkable stony and sunny soils of the vineyards are captured in this powerful and complex wine. It flourishes with age and expresses mineral aromas reminiscent of gunflint. The wine is full and flavoursome but with a firm backbone of acidity. The Côte de Lechet is one of the Premiers Crus of the Chablisian vineyard with the most exceptional ageing potential.

Food Matching
A beautiful wine which will enhance any dish, try it with fish dishes even in rich sauces, poultry, risotto…