Wines Chablis Premier Cru Domaine Jean Jacquin & Fils - Vaillons - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Domaine Jean Jacquin & Fils delivers with its 2023 Chablis Premier Cru Cuvée Vaillons, a wine expressing both the classic purity and depth of this renowned appellation. Made exclusively from Chardonnay, as is traditional in Chablis, this Premier Cru hails from the Vaillons climat – a site famed for its expressive minerality and lively freshness. The 2023 vintage in Chablis was characterised by a relatively cool spring and a warm, steady summer, resulting in precise, vibrant wines with excellent aromatic clarity. The vinification here aims for minimal intervention to let the terroir shine, with stainless steel fermentation to preserve the natural tension and bright fruit typical of the Vaillons plot.

The Chablisien, part of northern Burgundy, is defined by its unique Kimmeridgian soils, a combination of limestone, clay, and millions of tiny fossilised oyster shells. This geological foundation, along with the region’s cool, continental climate, is responsible for Chablis’ distinctive steely character, racy acidity, and underlying saline notes. The area has a rich wine history dating back to Roman times, and Premier Cru vineyards are celebrated for striking a compelling balance between elegance and power.

For food pairings, this Chablis Premier Cru is an exquisite companion to all manner of seafood and shellfish dishes, especially oysters, king prawns, or a classic Dover sole à la meunière. Poultry in creamy sauces, goats’ cheese, and even Japanese sashimi benefit from its crisp acidity and stony backbone. In keeping with Burgundy tradition, you might also enjoy it with local jambon persillé or a delicate terrine.

To best appreciate its aromatic intensity and chiselled structure, serve this wine at 11-12°C. Consider decanting young bottles for half an hour to allow the aromas to fully unfurl. The 2023 Cuvée Vaillons is delightful now for its energy and finesse, but will reward further cellaring with greater complexity and harmony.