Among the most delicate expressions from the left bank of the Serein, the Chablis 1er Cru Les Lys 2020 from Domaine William Fèvre embodies the luminous elegance of a Chardonnay shaped by Kimmeridgian limestone, rich in marine fossils. From a confidential plot of about 0.99 hectare nestled in the Vaillons climat, this wine delivers a composed performance, all purity and tension. Hand harvesting, pneumatic pressing, natural fermentations and gravity-driven winemaking preserve the integrity of the fruit. The 13 to 14 month ageing, partly in stainless steel and partly in older French oak barrels, refines the material without weighing it down. Mineral and floral, precise, Les Lys 2020 makes the terroir sing and honours seafood as well as fine gastronomy. Praised by the international press, notably 93+/100 from Wine Advocate, it stands as a reference for those seeking the crystalline grace of a great Chablis Premier Cru.

Assemblage et vinification

This still white wine is made exclusively from Chardonnay, the single grape of the Chablis appellation. The harvest is carried out by hand to select intact grapes with impeccable freshness. Pneumatic pressing gently treats the must, while gravity vinification avoids unnecessary handling. Fermentations, driven naturally, preserve the signature of the vintage and the resonance of the terroir. The ageing lasts 13 to 14 months with a proportion of 40 to 50 percent in older French oak barrels, the remainder in stainless steel tanks. This hybrid ageing choice retains mineral straightness, provides a silky, polished texture and allows subtle oxygenation that adds complexity to the bouquet. Extended time on fine lees brings relief, a chalky mouthfeel and a sapid sensation that marks the great wines of Chablis.

Notes de dégustation

• Colour: Pale yellow with silvery highlights, bright and clear, announcing upright freshness and a finely chiselled frame.
• Nose: Delicate bouquet of white flowers, hawthorn and jasmine, mingled with white-fleshed fruits, pear and peach, carried by a chalky imprint. A subtle marine breath, slightly iodised, underlines the Kimmeridgian signature.
• Palate: Pure, direct attack, satiny texture, well-controlled vivacity. Mineral tension unfolds a luminous backbone, then opens onto a long, saline finish with floral and lemony persistence.

Température de service et conseils

Serve between 12 and 14°C in tulip-shaped white wine glasses to reveal the aromatic drive and the delicacy of the material. A few minutes of aeration is enough for the wine to release its floral notes and chalky minerality. Store bottles away from light, at a stable temperature, to preserve the freshness and clarity of the profile. Les Lys 2020 is already expressive and can gain complexity over several years depending on cellar conditions and bottle format. Pair this wine with restrained, well-executed cuisine that respects the purity of the Chardonnay.

Accords mets et vin

• Aperitifs: fine oysters, whelks, savoury tartlets with herb cream, buttered rye bread.
• Starters: scallop carpaccio, sea bass ceviche, gilt-head bream tartare with citrus, sushi and sashimi.
• Main courses: sole meunière, pollack with beurre blanc, poultry in a light sauce, pike quenelles.
• Cheeses: aged goat cheeses, crottin, selles-sur-cher, lightly salted pressed cheeses.
• Desserts: lightly sweetened thin apple tart, fresh citrus, dairy desserts with zests.

Moments de dégustation

Chablis 1er Cru Les Lys 2020 is the ideal companion for:

• Sealing a fine dining experience where precision in pairing is paramount.
• During a themed tasting dedicated to the climats of Chablis and terroir interpretation.
• As a connoisseur's gift for a lover of taut, luminous Chardonnay.

Caractéristiques

• Nom : Domaine William Fèvre, Chablis 1er Cru Les Lys 2020
• Appellation : Chablis Premier Cru AOC
• Type : Still white wine
• Millésime : 2020
• Cépage : 100% Chardonnay
• Degré d’alcool : 12.5%
• Vieillissement : 13 to 14 months, 40 to 50 percent in older French oak barrels, remainder in stainless steel, aged on fine lees
• Contenance : Bottle size: Not specified
• Garde : Cellaring: Not specified
• Température de service : 12 to 14°C