Chablis 2022

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.

Garnier et Fils 2022 Chablis AOP
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay
12.5% ABV

Vineyards:
This Chablis is sourced from the Kimmeridgian limestone soils of Chablis, which impart the characteristic minerality and vibrancy to the wine. The 2021 vintage saw cooler temperatures, which helped preserve the freshness and acidity in the grapes, while allowing for a slow, even ripening process.

Winemaking:
Hand-harvested and fermented with indigenous yeasts, the wine undergoes stainless steel fermentation to retain its crisp, vibrant fruit character. No oak is used in the aging process, allowing the purity of the terroir and the fresh acidity to shine.

Appearance:
Pale yellow with green highlights, reflecting its youthful vibrancy and freshness.

Nose:
A bouquet of floral notes—white flowers and cut grass—underscored by a chalky, flinty minerality. As it opens, hints of lemon zest and green apple emerge, adding to the freshness.

Palate:
On the palate, the wine is fresh and lively, with bright acidity balanced by a round, slightly creamy texture. The minerality from the Kimmeridgian soils is front and centre, offering a crisp, rocky edge. Citrus and green apple flavours linger, leading to a long, elegant finish with refreshing precision.

Food Pairing:
Ideal with oysters, steamed mussels, and other delicate seafood dishes. Its minerality and acidity also make it a superb match for lighter cheeses and dishes like sea bass with a lemon butter sauce.

Aging Potential:
While drinking beautifully now, this Chablis will continue to develop over the next 2-5 years, with the minerality becoming even more pronounced as it matures.