Etienne Boileau

Winery

Domaine du Etienne Boileau is situated in the small town of Chablis at the northern extremes of viable viticulture in the northernmost wine district of the Burgundy region of France. Subscribing to the belief that tradition combined with terroir and climate are essential to making a great wine, viticulture at the estate is dominated by the belief that a winegrower should allow the natural environment where his grapes are grown to be reflected directly in the glass. Etienne Bolieau credits the Kimmeridgean clay soil of the hilly slopes of the Serein Valley — a clay-based soil that dates back to the Upper Jurassic age over 180 million years ago, and includes a particular soil type known as argilo-calcaire (a composition of limestone, clay and fossilized oyster shells) — with imbuing their wines with their superior character and structure.

In 1987, three growers joined forces to create a larger domaine called Domaine du Chardonnay that would have access to more manpower and an impressive collection of vineyards. Etienne Boileau, the overall director of the domaine and manager of both work in the cellar and general sales, works side by side with partners William Nahan and Christian Simon, who oversee all operations in their 37 total hectares of vineyards. Every harvest is vinified and matured in their cellars in Chablis. Through every stage from harvest to bottling, the wines are handled with the utmost of care. Recently a new bottling line was chosen and installed as the finishing touch to their commitment to high-quality vinification and bottling. Combined, they have 9 hectares of Petit Chablis, 18.5 hectares of Chablis, and 9 hectares in Chablis Premier Cru vineyards, including Montmains, Montée de Tonnerre, Vaugiraut, Vosgros, Vaillons and Mont de Milieu, with total annual production of under 30,000 cases. All wines are vinified in stainless-steel tanks, with a handful of the Premier Cru bottlings seeing a brief period in oak. Filtration is minimal and mostly achieved through low-impact cold precipitation.

Visit the winery at www.domaineduchardonnay.com!

Wines

Petit Chablis 2008

Extremely drinkable, this Petit Chablis is fresh and lean with yellow plum and pear on the nose and palate. The remarkably balanced acidity is unmistakable glass after glass. 100% fermentation and maturation in stainless-steel tanks. Controlled malolactic fermentation and cold treatment for tartaric precipitation in order to avoid filtration.

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Chablis 2008

Crisp yet complex with bright, ripe lemon, elegant minerality, and a hint of honeysuckle on the finish. Images of cool breezes blowing through Chablis vineyards are conjured with every mouthful. This is classic Chablis at its flinty best. Fermented and matured in stainless-steel tanks. Controlled malolactic fermentation and cold treatment for tartaric precipitation in order to avoid filtration.
Wine & Spirits Best Buy, April 2011

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Chablis 1er Cru Vosgros 2008

This beautifully balanced 1er cru conveys the true essense of terroir — bone dry, with tight acidity, and an ever so delicate minerality. The notes of green apple, lemon rind, and white flower that dance on the nose at first approach lead to a mouthfeel that is luxuriously full, and an exquisite, refreshing finish. Pair with oysters or savor on its own. 100% fermentation and maturation in stainless-steel tanks. Controlled malolactic fermentation and cold treatment for tartaric precipitation in order to avoid filtration.
Wine & Spirits Best Buy, April 2011

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