Wines Chablis Premier Cru Louis Michel & Fils - Vaillons - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Louis Michel & Fils Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons 2022 is a benchmark expression of the Chablisien terroir, crafted exclusively from Chardonnay. The Vaillons climat, situated on the left bank of the Serein river, is renowned for its lively minerality and precision. The 2022 vintage benefited from a balanced growing season, with an early spring and a relatively mild summer, helping to preserve both aromatic freshness and optimal ripeness. Typically, Louis Michel & Fils vinifies this cuvée in stainless steel to emphasise purity, crispness, and the unique character of the chalky Kimmeridgian soils that define the Premier Cru vineyards of Chablis.

The Chablis region, located at the northernmost edge of Burgundy, is shaped by its cool, semi-continental climate. This brings a heightened tension to the fruit, with bright acidity and structured freshness as hallmarks. The area’s distinctive Kimmeridgian clay-limestone soil, rich in marine fossils, is instrumental in lending Chablis wines their signature flinty minerality and understated elegance. The winemaking tradition here prizes minimal intervention, allowing the terroir’s character to shine, and has firmly established Chablis as an international benchmark for high-quality Chardonnay since Roman times.

For food pairings, Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons 2022 excels with all manner of seafood, particularly oysters, scallops, and langoustines, which echo its saline finesse. It will also beautifully elevate a classic Burgundian pairing such as jambon persillé or escargots in garlic butter. Grilled white fish, sushi, or dishes featuring fine herbes and citrus will highlight the wine’s racy acidity, while creamy goat’s cheese from the region will underscore its length and complexity.

Serve this wine chilled but not too cold, ideally between 10 and 12°C. Decanting is not required, but allowing the wine a few moments in the glass will help unveil its delicate floral and mineral nuances. This Chablis Premier Cru can be enjoyed now for its youthful vibrancy but will also reward a few years of cellaring.