Chablis "Grains Dorés" AOP 2020

Domaine Garnier & Fils is located in Ligny-le-Châtel, the most northerly commune for producing Chablis. Despite owning vineyards for many generations, they only started vinifying their own wine in 1996. Encouraged by sales to Parisian restaurants, Joseph Garnier was soon joined by his sons, Xavier and Jérôme, who expanded the estate and built new winery facilities. From the outset, they have adhered to sustainable and organic practices, with full organic certification anticipated during 2024.

They focus on producing Chablis and Petit Chablis, and also source micro-quantities of grapes for Premier and Grand Cru wines. The Garnier brothers emphasise traditional winemaking techniques, including the use of natural indigenous yeasts and extended ageing in large Stockinger barrels, which allows for complex and expressive wines. Their vineyards, divided between the left and right banks of Chablis from villages like Maligny, Ligny, and Villy, benefit from the region's distinctive Kimmeridgian limestone soils.

Their meticulous approach ensures that their wines reflect the unique terroirs of Chablis, characterised by opulent mouthfeel, vibrant acidity, and remarkable minerality. Domaine Garnier & Fils have earned their reputation through hard work, a dedication to sustainable practices, instinctive winemaking, and a belief in continuous innovation and improvement.

The result is wines that consistently offer exceptional ripeness, freshness, elegance, and depth. The “Grain Dorés” is one of the most extraordinary non-Premier or Grand Cru Chablis that we’ve ever tasted.

Garnier et Fils Chablis Grains Dorés AOP 2020
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay
13% ABV

Vineyards:
Sourced from the exceptional Côte de Charmoy terroir, the Grains Dorés cuvée highlights the distinct minerality of Chablis, thanks to the Kimmeridgian limestone soils. The 2020 vintage benefitted from optimal ripening conditions, resulting in a wine with both richness and elegance.

Winemaking:
This cuvée underwent a unique maturation process, with 30 months of aging alternating between French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. The wine was gently stirred on the lees (batonnage) to extract its complex texture and depth, allowing for a smooth integration of oak and a layered flavour profile.

Appearance:
Golden yellow in colour, this Chablis shines with intensity and clarity, reflecting its maturity.

Nose:
The nose reveals delicate floral notes of flowering linden and white flowers, complemented by subtle hints of honey and ripe stone fruit, showcasing the wine’s perfect ripeness. A faint touch of wet stone adds a mineral backbone to the bouquet.

Palate:
On the palate, the wine is rich and full-bodied, with a velvety texture. Flavours of ripe apricot and peach unfold gracefully, layered with a subtle mineral undertone from the terroir. The long maturation process adds depth, with gentle notes of spice and toasted almond emerging on the finish. The wine maintains a vibrant acidity that balances its richness, leading to a crisp, elegant conclusion.

Food Pairing:
This versatile wine pairs beautifully with sushi, shellfish, and grilled fish. Its richness also complements white meats and soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert.

Aging Potential:
While drinking well now, the 2020 Grains Dorés will continue to develop over the next 5-7 years, gaining further complexity and enhancing its mature characteristics.