From: Chablis, Burgundy, France
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Tasting Notes: Vaillons is one of Chablis' largest climates, and is defined by its south-eastern exposure, morning sunshine, and shallow, Kimmeridgian soils. These all combine to allow the fruit to ripen quickly, making Vaillon one of the most reliable crus in the region.
Sourced from 47-year-old vines, planted on steep slopes. The wine is rich and intense, with all the classic Chablis characters of apples and citrus, and spices coming from a combination of iron-rich deposits and judicial, generous lees contact. The flavors are concentrated and powerful, making this a rich and bolder style of Chablis and not a wine to be missed.
Daniel-Etienne Defaix is descended from a traditional family of producers in Chablis, Burgundy. His ancestors had been cultivating vineyards since the 16th century and the terroir was selected as early as the 12th century by the Cistercian monks of Pontigny. In total there are 28 hectares that Defaix and his son Paul-Etienne take care of, with all their efforts, so that the family tradition is maintained. The reputation of this producer is closely linked to the attitude of masterfully producing great aging wines, selling only when he is convinced that his wines are ready to drink. Because of this, it is not by chance that his wines have been on the best restaurant menus around the world for twenty years.