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 2020 Chablis Grand Cru Vaudésir
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay
13% ABV
Vineyards:
The Vaudésir vineyard is one of Chablis’ most prestigious Grand Cru sites, known for its amphitheatre-like exposure and Kimmeridgian limestone soils that imbue the wine with remarkable minerality. The Garnier brothers work closely with long-established vineyard partners who adhere to their meticulous viticultural and harvesting specifications, ensuring the highest quality fruit for this exceptional wine. The result is a Grand Cru that reflects both the unique terroir and the precision of the Garnier winemaking philosophy.
Winemaking:
The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented using indigenous yeasts. The wine is aged on fine lees for 12 months in a combination of stainless steel tanks and large Stockinger oak barrels, ensuring a balanced integration of oak while preserving the purity of the fruit and terroir. The restrained use of oak, primarily older barrels, allows the natural vibrancy and complexity to shine through.
Appearance:
Pale gold with greenish highlights, exuding freshness and clarity.
Nose:
The bouquet opens with elegant floral notes of irises and white flowers, interwoven with hints of vanilla and flint. As the wine evolves in the glass, subtle aromas of almond blossom, citrus peel, and a characteristic minerality emerge, adding further depth and complexity.
Palate:
On the palate, the wine offers a vibrant burst of lemon zest and pink grapefruit, underpinned by a distinct saline minerality that reflects the Vaudésir terroir. The mid-palate is concentrated and juicy, with evolving notes of white pepper and a touch of spice. The oak influence is delicately balanced, contributing to a creamy texture without overwhelming the natural freshness and minerality of the wine. The long, refined finish showcases lingering citrus and mineral notes.
Food Pairing:
This Grand Cru is a natural partner for premium shellfish like lobster and crab, as well as grilled white fish such as monkfish or turbot. Its vibrant acidity and minerality make it a superb match for poultry dishes in rich sauces and soft cheeses like Brie de Meaux or Camembert.
Aging Potential:
While already showing beautifully, the 2020 Vaudésir will continue to evolve over the next 5-8 years, revealing more complex tertiary flavours like hazelnut and brioche.
Scores:
- 93 points - Jasper Morris, "Inside Burgundy"
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