Viniou Reviews
Dampt Frères’ Chablis Vieilles Vignes 2020 is a fine white wine that exemplifies the purity and precision of the Chablisien terroir. Made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes drawn from older vines (“vieilles vignes”), this wine benefits from low yields, resulting in a greater concentration of flavour. The 2020 vintage in Chablis was marked by a warm, sunny growing season, which yielded ripe, expressive fruit while retaining the hallmark acidity and minerality of the region. Crafted according to organic principles, the wine is likely fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve its freshness, highlighting citrus, green apple, and subtle floral notes overlaying a signature flinty character.
The Chablis region, nestled in northern Burgundy, is world-renowned for its unique terroir. The climate is cool and semi-continental, which encourages the development of crisp acidity and finesse in the wines. The soils are predominantly Kimmeridgian limestone and clay, rich with fossilised marine life, giving Chablis wines their vivid minerality and saline edge. Chablis has an illustrious history dating back to the Middle Ages, with its wines cherished for their clarity and purity. The area’s traditional approach has resisted both oak influence and overly ripe styles, maintaining a focus on freshness and terroir expression.
This Chablis Vieilles Vignes is an exceptional partner for oysters, langoustines, and all manner of shellfish, as well as classic Burgundy dishes such as gougères or pike quenelles in a beurre blanc sauce. It will also harmonise beautifully with sushi, sashimi, or a simple roast chicken with lemon and herbs—anything that benefits from a wine with verve and mineral-driven freshness.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine chilled, ideally between 10-12°C. Decanting is generally not necessary, but opening the bottle ten minutes before tasting can help the wine fully express its aromatic complexity, revealing its layered fruit and subtle mineral undertones at their finest.
