Wines Chablis Premier Cru Nathalie & Gilles Fèvre - Fourchaume - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Nathalie & Gilles Fèvre’s Chablis Premier Cru “Fourchaume” 2023 is a testament to the unique elegance for which this appellation is so renowned. Made exclusively from Chardonnay, this Premier Cru is distinguished by its purity and expressive character. The Fourchaume vineyard, one of the most esteemed in Chablis, is situated on the right bank of the Serein river and is well known for its excellent sun exposure. The year 2023, marked by a relatively cool yet balanced growing season, has delivered a wine with vibrant acidity and nuanced aromatics. Classic vinification techniques in stainless steel tanks bring out the racy minerality and fresh citrus notes typical of the terroir, while the subtle use of lees aging enhances texture and complexity.

Chablis itself, located in the northernmost part of Burgundy, boasts a cool continental climate with significant influence from the Kimmeridgian limestone soils. These fossil-rich soils impart the distinctive flinty, saline minerality that sets Chablis apart from other Chardonnay-based wines. With a history that stretches back to Roman times and monastic cultivation in the Middle Ages, Chablis has long been revered for its crisp, linear white wines. Fourchaume, in particular, is famed for producing Premier Crus with a fine balance between power and finesse, often showing a generosity of fruit alongside precise mineral notes.

For pairing, this Chablis Premier Cru Fourchaume shines with refined seafood dishes such as scallops in a beurre blanc sauce or grilled Dover sole, where its freshness beautifully lifts the flavours. It also complements regional classics like Chablisienne gougères or a simple tartare of salmon. Creamy cheeses, such as Chablis’ own Soumaintrain, are also excellent companions, echoing the wine’s subtle richness.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine slightly chilled, ideally between 10-12°C. Allow it to open in the glass for a few minutes to fully appreciate its aromatic depth and precision. If cellaring, this 2023 vintage promises further development over the next 3 to 7 years, revealing even greater complexity.