William Fèvre
Chablis 1er Cru Beauroy - Domaine 2021
Chablis 1er Cru
Premier Cru Beauroy is an excellent introduction to the Premier Cru wines in the William Fèvre collection. One of the main Premier Crus on the left bank of the Serein, Beauroy extends across 37 hectares of clay-limestone soils that impart an elegant finesse and approachability that sets it apart from the more powerful, structured Premier Crus of the right bank. Domaine William Fèvre farms 1.12 hectares within Troësmes, one of the first lieux-dits in the region to produce Premier Crus and considered the finest-oriented site within the appellation. With a south to southeast exposure on clay-limestone soils, it yields wines of balance, mineral freshness, and approachability. Fine and subtle on the nose, with beautiful mineral and floral notes, and a palate that moves between richness, nervosity, and vigor.
VINEYARD
Beauroy extends over 37 hectares on the left bank of the Serein, across Chablis and several surrounding communes on clay-limestone soils. Domaine William Fèvre's 1.12-hectare parcel lies within Troësmes, the best-oriented lieu-dit within the appellation and historically among the first terroirs in the region to produce Premier Crus. South to southeast-facing on clay-limestone soils and subsoils, the plots produce wines of great finesse and good aging potential that are highly typical of the Chablis style.
WINEMAKING
Gravity is applied throughout to avoid pumping and preserve the integrity of the fruit. Short pneumatic pressing of 1.5 to 2 hours ensures a delicate separation of solids and liquids. Very light static settling retains enough fine lees for alcoholic and malolactic fermentations to occur naturally. Vinification takes place in stainless steel vats. The wine is aged for 18 months in total, with 25% of the blend spending 5 to 6 months on fine lees in French oak barrels before finishing in stainless steel.
VINTAGE
2021 was one of Chablis's most frost-damaged vintages in recent memory. Early budbreak triggered by warm late-March temperatures left fragile buds exposed, and black frost struck from April 6 onward, dropping below zero on 17 nights through April 24. Protective measures were deployed but damage was severe. A temperature rise in June helped the vines recover, with rapid mid-June flowering and vigorous growth, though yields remained very low. Prolonged summer rains slowed ripening further, with harvest beginning on September 17.
TASTING NOTE
Fine and subtle on the nose, with beautiful mineral and floral notes. Well-balanced on the palate, moving between richness, nervosity, and vigor, with the freshness and precision typical of the appellation.
FOOD PAIRING
Oysters, grilled scallops, turbot, lobster, fish in cream sauce, aged goat cheese
Color
White
Blend %
100% Chardonnay
Appellation
Chablis 1er Cru
Alcohol
12.5%
Suggested Retail Price
$86
Reviews
Wine Spectator - June 24, 2024 "Pungent, this intense white exudes green plum, melon and flint aromas and flavors backed by a stony element, building to a long, salty finish. Features ample flesh midpalate and terrific balance."
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Chablis 1er Cru Montmains
Chablis 1er Cru “Montmains”
Montmains has a uniquely stony terroir in Chablis, stretching down one side of a valley on the left bank of the Serein.
Chablis 1er Cru Les Lys - Domaine
Chablis 1er Cru
Historically owned by French royalty, the climat of Les Lys sits towards the top of the hill in Vaillons. On the left bank of the Serein, Fèvre’s 0.99 hectares of vines grow in clay over Kimmeridgian soils, its eastern exposure producing a delicate wine with a soft, charming palate.
Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons - Domaine
Chablis 1er Cru
This left-bank cru spans a massive 104 hectares divided into 8 climats – Fèvre owns 3.65 hectares over 12 plots. One of the first vineyards to reach maturity, it shows its fast ripening in shades of peach, pineapple, and pear.
Saint-Bris
Chablis
Located southwest of Chablis, Saint-Bris is the only appellation in Burgundy that allows Sauvignon Blanc. This wine grows from northeast- and northwest-facing parcels with a mix of stones, hard limestone and clay-silt. A 12-hour pre-fermentation maceration adds to this wine’s freshness, a linearity solidified by its all-stainless-steel aging.
Chablis Domaine
Chablis
This wine is made from William Fèvre’s organic estate vineyards, with many of the parcels lying adjacent to Premier Cru sites. An attractive, fresh, and classically mineral Chablis.
Chablis Champs Royaux
Chablis
Translates to "Royal Fields", a selection from the highest quality fruit covering 37 hectares of vineyards in the Chablis appellation.
Chablis 1er Cru Montmains - Domaine
Chablis 1er Cru
On the left bank of the Serein, Fèvre owns 3.68 hectares with vines in each of the climats off this Premier Cru. The parcel in Butteaux gives minerality, Forêts – fruitiness, and Montmains – richness. The vineyard has a uniquely stony terroir that grows an accessible, fresh wine in its youth that has the power and concentration to age.
Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume
Chablis 1er Cru
Fourchaum is situated on the opposite face of the hillside on which Grand Crus Les Preuses and Bougros sit. Fèvre’s holdings are on the eastern side of the vineyard, as close as one can get to the Grands Crus without crossing over. The soils resemble their storied neighbors and grow similarly powerful wines, perhaps with a shade more freshness.
Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre - Domaine
Chablis 1er Cru
The Montée de Tonnèrre wraps around the hillside immediately east of the Côte des Grands Crus. Its geological profile closely resembles the Grands Crus and as such is considered one of the finest Premiers Crus. Fèvre’s holdings are in three lieux-dits on the crest of the hill with exposures ranging from southwest to south to southeast. Both full and rich while holding onto mineral and floral characters, the wine shows intensity and complexity in its youth, and will develop subtlety as it ages.
