Among Chablis's historic climats, the Vaillons 2020 - Domaine Vincent Dauvissat stands out as a craftsman-like interpretation of northern Chardonnay. This Premier Cru AOC channels the light of the Kimmeridgian marls and the salinity of ancient seabeds to create a white that is both taut and caressing, precise and vibrant. Intended for connoisseurs and curious drinkers seeking genuine emotion, it fulfils the expectations of a great gastronomic white wine, able to brighten a table by its uprightness, aromatic depth and remarkable composure when exposed to air. In the sunny yet controlled 2020 vintage, the Dauvissat signature is evident in the balance, the measured expression and the verticality of the palate—a style where purity guides every decision. A wine for those who seek the clarity of gesture, the truth of a place and the discreet nobility of extended élevage, all in service of a saline expression and a finish that stretches like a line of chalk.

Assemblage et vinification

Made exclusively from Chardonnay planted in the Vaillons climat, this Premier Cru roots itself on Kimmeridgian clay-limestone soils rich in fossils, the mineral matrix that gives Chablis its characteristic chalky sensation. The old vines, averaging around half a century, yield small grapes with delicate concentration. The estate farms its parcels with a natural approach inspired by organic and biodynamic principles, respecting the living soil and vine balance. The grapes are picked at precise maturity to preserve freshness and vibrancy. Vinification is traditional and straightforward, with an ageing of at least one year in Nevers oak barrels, including a carefully dosed portion of new oak. Maturation on fine lees, lightly stirred, completes the texture, softens the edge of the acidity and refines the terroir expression. The result is a finely carved wine where the oak supports the material without ever dominating it, letting salinity lead the composition.

Notes de dégustation

• Appearance : Bright pale yellow with straw highlights, clear and luminous, announcing aromatic purity and measured density.
• Nose : Opens on citrus zest and hawthorn blossom, followed by sea spray, wet chalk and a touch of . With aeration, notes of gunflint, fresh pear, blanched almond and a subtle hint of linden emerge.
• Palate : A straight, crystalline entry driven by a lively acidity that stretches the wine. The mid-palate is precise and juicy, marrying ripe lemon, pink grapefruit and a saline sap. The finish, long and clean, expresses a chalky minerality with a fine, noble bitterness—signalling good aging potential.

Service temperature and tips

Serve between 10 and 12°C in Burgundy-style white wine glasses to showcase both the aromatic precision and the wine's shape. Opening the bottle 20 minutes before serving allows the iodized and citrus notes to unfold while keeping the wine's incisive line. This Chablis 1er Cru can be cellared for 10 to 15 years, or longer depending on cellar conditions, gaining tertiary complexity with light honey, fine hazelnut and more pronounced flinty notes. For a broader early experience, a gentle, brief decant will round the texture without dulling the wine's energy.

Food pairings

• Aperitifs : fine oysters, whelks, tartelettes with taramasalata, light gougères.
• Starters : scallop carpaccio, sea bass sashimi, delicate citrus ceviche.
• Main courses : sole meunière, steamed turbot, free-range chicken in a morel cream sauce, lemon risotto.
• Cheeses : fresh goat cheeses, young Comté, light tomme, Brillat-Savarin.
• Desserts : lightly sweetened thin lemon tart, almond shortbread.

Tasting occasions

Vincent Dauvissat's Vaillons 2020 can be enjoyed whenever precision and purity are sought:

• During a gourmet dinner where seafood and clear jus take centre stage.
• As a connoisseur's gift for an enthusiast of great Burgundian whites.
• In a vertical tasting of Chablis 1er Cru to measure the soul of the Vaillons climat.

Specifications

• Name : Domaine Vincent Dauvissat, Vaillons 2020
• Appellation : Chablis 1er Cru AOC
• Climat : Vaillons
• Type : Dry white wine
• Vintage : 2020
• Grape variety : Chardonnay (100%)
• Terroir : Kimmeridgian marls and limestones, saline and chalky expression
• Ageing : at least 12 months in Nevers oak barrels, partly new, on fine lees
• Alcohol : 13%
• Bottle size : 75 cl
• Yield : around 50 hl/ha
• Cellaring : 10 to 15 years, and more depending on storage
• Serving temperature : 10–12°C
• Farming practices : natural approach inspired by organic and biodynamic principles