Overview
Joseph Drouhin Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses is an estate-grown Chardonnay from one of Chablis' celebrated Grand Cru sites. Situated on the right bank of the Serein River above Grand Cru Bougros, Drouhin's 0.5-hectare parcel occupies a gentle slope with a south-west exposure. The combination of Grand Cru terroir, Kimmeridgian limestone and deliberately low yields produces a wine centred on elegance, minerality and precise expression of place.
Vintage
2023 was one of the hottest years in Burgundy, surpassing even 2022. The grapes reached perfect maturity, producing highly aromatic wines with yellow-fruit and floral notes. The vintage combines generosity and an ample palate with freshness and finesse.
Vineyard & Viticulture
The Les Preuses parcel was replanted in 2007 and lies on Kimmeridgian limestone rich in tiny marine fossils, a geological feature closely associated with the distinctive mineral character of Chablis.
Maison Joseph Drouhin has practised organic viticulture across its estate since the late 1980s and biodynamic viticulture since the 1990s. The vineyards are farmed with respect for the soil, vines and surrounding environment, while deliberately low yields are used to encourage a precise expression of terroir.
Winemaking
The grapes are harvested by hand in open-work crates and carefully sorted when necessary. Whole bunches are slowly pressed in a pneumatic press, with the final press juice separated from the free-run juice. Following light settling, the wine undergoes alcoholic fermentation and ageing in 500L oak barrels, with no new oak, for 12–15 months.
Producer Tasting Notes
Véronique Boss-Drouhin: “A wine of great elegance. Pale yellow colour with greenish hints. White flower aromas are detected on the nose. On the palate, the wine is soft, round, well balanced, with good stuffing. The fruit flavours are enhanced by intense mineral notes, evolving towards slightly smoky tones. A beautiful aftertaste.”
Producer
Founded in Beaune in 1880, Maison Joseph Drouhin is a family-run Burgundy producer now led by the fourth generation. Its portfolio extends across some of Burgundy's most important appellations, with a house style focused on balance, finesse and expression of terroir.
Specifications
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Vintage: 2023
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Grape Variety: Chardonnay
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Region: Les Preuses Grand Cru, Chablis, Burgundy, France
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Classification: Chablis Grand Cru
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Vineyard: 0.5-hectare Drouhin estate parcel, replanted in 2007
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Soil: Kimmeridgian limestone
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Production Attributes: Hand harvested, whole-bunch pressed, organic and biodynamic viticulture
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Fermentation: Alcoholic fermentation in oak barrels
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Maturation: 12–15 months in 500L oak barrels
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Oak Type: No new oak
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Serving Temperature: 14°C
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Optimal Consumption: 4–10 years
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Ageing Potential: 15 years
