Viniou Reviews
Louis Michel & Fils’ Chablis Premier Cru Montée de Tonnerre 2022 is an exceptional expression of Chardonnay, grown on one of the most prestigious Premier Cru sites of Chablis. This wine is crafted from old vines rooted in Kimmeridgian limestone—a soil type that defines the region’s quintessential mineral character. Vinification is traditional and precise, with fermentation and ageing taking place in stainless steel to preserve freshness and highlight the purity of fruit, foregoing any oak influence. The 2022 vintage in Chablis is notable for its balance and finesse, combining ripe orchard fruit with racy acidity and a finespun saline edge. Montée de Tonnerre is renowned for its aromatic complexity—citrus blossom, green apple, wet stone, and a subtle flinty smokiness, all wrapped in an elegant, linear structure.
Chablis lies in northern Burgundy, closer to Champagne than to the Côte d’Or. Its cool continental climate and ancient limestone soils, studded with fossilised shells, make for uniquely taut, mineral-driven whites that stand apart from the richer styles of other Burgundian appellations. The region’s history dates back to Roman times, but it was the Cistercian monks in the Middle Ages who firmly established Chardonnay as the grape of choice here, nurturing a tradition of winemaking that’s world-renowned today. Premier Cru vineyards like Montée de Tonnerre are situated on slopes that benefit from optimal sun exposure and excellent drainage, further refining the wine’s delicacy and intensity.
This Chablis Premier Cru is a brilliant partner for refined seafood—think poached lobster, seared scallops, or oysters on the half shell. The wine’s bright acidity and minerality will also complement sushi or sashimi beautifully. For a regional touch, pair it with Burgundy’s classic gougères (cheese puffs) or a delicate poulet de Bresse with a creamy lemon sauce. It shines alongside soft, tangy cheeses like Crottin de Chavignol.
For optimal enjoyment, serve chilled but not too cold, ideally between 10 and 12°C. This allows the nuanced aromas and texture to reveal themselves fully in the glass. Decanting is not necessary, but a few minutes in the glass will help the wine open and show its remarkable complexity.
